Pune Airport’s ‘Digi Yatra’ Implementation Faces Challenges Amid Diwali Rush

Pune, 13th November 2023: The Pune Airport Authority has introduced the ‘Digi Yatra’ (Digi Trip) facility to streamline passenger checks and reduce waiting times. However, the lack of integration with three airlines— AirAsia, Star Air, and Alliance Air—has resulted in passengers of these carriers enduring queues from terminal entry to various checks, causing inconvenience during the bustling Diwali holiday season.

The ‘Digi Yatra’ initiative, an app-based service aimed at expediting the check-in process, commenced on March 31, 2023, after a year-long trial. This service allows passengers to access boarding passes and essential documents directly on the app, eliminating the need for physical verification. The app’s facial recognition feature serves as a digital “boarding pass,” enhancing efficiency.

While some airlines operating from Pune Airport have integrated with ‘Digi Yatra,’ Capital A’s AirAsia, Star Air, and Alliance Air are yet to respond, forcing passengers of these airlines to navigate traditional check-in processes. As a result, queues have surged, causing added pressure on airport administration and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Flight Information Display Systems (FIDs) at Pune Airport, crucial for passenger information, are reportedly non-functional, compounding difficulties for travellers seeking details about their flights. Frequent changes in boarding gate numbers have contributed to passenger congestion, exacerbating the challenges faced by airport authorities.

Pune Airport’s designation as a silent airport, without announcements, has made it challenging for passengers to access timely flight information. Increased passenger complaints about the absence of ‘Digi Yatra’ facilities and general inconvenience at Pune Airport have prompted calls for swift action by airport authorities.

In response to the challenges faced at Pune Airport, Dhairyashil Vandekar, an Air Transport Expert, stated, “The reported challenges are acknowledged, and there is hope that airport authorities will address passenger concerns promptly. The integration of all airlines with ‘Digi Yatra’ remains a crucial aspect to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for travellers, especially during peak travel periods.”