Soon, you could use Aadhaar to enter airport, board a flight

Your Aadhaar ID could soon be the only identification required to take a domestic flight. Airports plan to install fingerprint scanners, that will let you enter the flight.

Currently, an ID card like a passport or PAN card, has to be presented at the entrance of an airport, along with their flight ticket.

According to CNBC-TV18 sources, Aviation ministry alongwith CISF – the security agency – has conducted a successful pilot project at the Hyderabad airport.

The government has tasked the IT major Wipro to make a blueprint for the plan to link Aadhaar with tickets. Wipro is expected to revert with a report as early as next month, following which airports will begin to implement this feature.

The ministry is aiming to put this system in place by December, according to sources.

The concept of making air travel more convenient with Aadhaar was first discussed in a recent meeting of airport operators and aviation firms with Minister of State for Aviation Jayant Sinha and Aviation Secretary RN Choubey.

Speaking to TOI, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Guruprasad Mahopatra, said that travellers can book their domestic flight tickets by entering their unique Aadhaar number. And, once at the airport, they need only to place their finger on the touch pad.

"We want passengers to have as seamless and effortless travel experience at airports as possible," he said.

Currently, an ID card, like a passport or PAN card, has to be presented at the entrance of an airport, along with their flight ticket, to be allowed inside.

Although, entering your Aadhaar details to fly may not become mandatory.

The Bureau Civil Aviation Security too has beefed up security for the airport staff. Aadhaar has already been made compulsory for permanent entry passes for the staff at airports.

From mid-day meals for children, to filing tax returns, the government is trying to enforce the Aadhaar on various government welfare schemes and programmes. It also is going to make Aadhaar mandatory to get a driver's license soon.