Faster Immigration at IGI with New Biometric Kiosks

New Delhi: In a significant development aimed at enhancing the efficiency and convenience of international arrivals, five biometric registration kiosks have been installed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) announced this initiative on Friday, marking the first implementation of such kiosks at any airport in India.

These kiosks, designed specifically for foreign nationals arriving in India with visas for which biometric information was not collected during the application process, will be operated under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Immigration. GMR-led DIAL highlighted that the kiosks are expected to significantly reduce processing and waiting times for international travellers by more than 50%.

DIAL’s statement elaborated that this new system will streamline the immigration process, noting that previously, visa-holding passengers arriving without prior biometric registration had to utilise designated immigration counters. This process resulted in an average wait time of 4-5 minutes per passenger. The introduction of biometric kiosks will minimise the time spent by immigration officers at the counter, thereby expediting the overall process.

An official from DIAL stated, “The introduction of these kiosks represents a step forward in expediting the immigration process and enhancing passenger convenience, particularly for those who were unable to submit their biometrics during the visa application process.”

The implementation of these kiosks is part of a broader effort to modernise and improve the operational efficiency of the airport, ensuring a smoother and quicker experience for international arrivals. The move is also aligned with global standards of airport management, where biometric technology is increasingly being adopted to facilitate faster and more secure immigration processes.

DIAL further announced plans to install five additional biometric registration kiosks in the near future, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced passenger services. This initiative not only underscores IGIA’s role as a leading airport in India but also its dedication to adopting innovative solutions for operational excellence.