Domestic air travel may soon need more than the current requirement of furnishing a proof of identity while entering airport premises. According to Aviation minister Jayant Sinha, the government is likely to make Aadhaar card, passport or PAN mandatory for booking domestic flight tickets as well.
"In the next 90 to 120 days it might not be possible to book an air ticket without providing some unique ID like PAN, Aadhar or passport. We are trying to see what else we can have as unique ID so that more people are covered," the minister said today.
The government has proposed making a unique digital identity mandatory for air travelers while booking tickets, the minister said today. Sinha further informed that the ministry has set up a digital traveller working group to provide suggestions on implementing the scheme. The group has 30 days to come out with a white paper, after which it will be put up for comments from stakeholders before finalising the norms, Sinha said.
The minister further clarified that Aadhar will not be mandatory for fliers under the new norms in the offing by the government. However, it will be required if people wish to avail a host of other services. The government has proposed seamless travel for passengers through DIGI Yatra, a programme which will involve passengers will be provided with a QR code on furnishing the ticket along with the Aadhar number.
With the QR code on your mobile phone, you will no longer be required to stand in long queues to get your boarding pass as the QR code will be sufficient. This facility, however, will not be provided without an Aadhar number.
(With agencies)
