India Tightens International Travel Protocols: New Screening & Data Rules Take Flight

India has also introduced enhanced passenger handling processes at international airports, including mandatory barcoded boarding passes (since July 2024) and April 2025's airline data-sharing mandate that requires carriers to submit detailed passenger information to customs authorities.

 

Key developments:

 

Data-driven security: Airlines must share PNR information (names, itineraries, contact details) with customs via the National Customs Targeting Centre, with fines for non-compliance of up to ₹50,000.

 

Health shields: 13 quarantine centres at key airports screen infectious passengers, as part of pandemic readiness overhaul.

 

Technological boosts: Digi Yatra (biometric facial scanning) now operational across 24 airports, with 4.14 crore passengers facilitated since launch.

 

Sources: PIB, Travel+Leisure Asia, AAI