SITA Deploys Biometric Technology at Nine Indian Airports Under DigiYatra Initiative
SITA, a global air transport technology company, is deploying its biometric Smart Path technology across nine Indian airports in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The initiative is part of the DigiYatra program, which aims to enhance the passenger experience and streamline airport operations through digital technology.
The project includes the installation of SITA's Smart Path, Passenger Flow Management (PFM), and Face Pods, which offer contactless solutions at various airport touchpoints. These technologies will reduce waiting times and provide passengers with a contact-free journey. Airports in Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Raipur, Bagdogra, Patna, Goa (Dabolim), and Coimbatore are part of this deployment.
The partnership aligns with AAI’s broader strategy to modernize airport infrastructure across India. DigiYatra, an initiative from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, focuses on providing a paperless airport experience by utilizing facial recognition technology. According to SITA, more than 20 million passengers used DigiYatra in 2023. The program is expected to expand to 28 Indian airports, potentially covering 90% of the domestic flying population.
In a statement, Sumesh Patel, SITA's President for the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting India's efforts in airport digitalization. The initiative also aims to align with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) One ID program, which promotes global interoperability for seamless travel.
In July 2023, SITA signed a separate agreement with AAI to supply technology to 43 of India’s major airports, upgrading over 2,700 passenger touchpoints. This represents one of the largest passenger processing technology deployments in India. SITA has been working with the Indian government since 1952 and supports the “Make in India” initiative by increasing its local presence in line with government objectives.