No more boarding pass stamps: India allows e-boarding passes for international travellers from Sept 1

The move is expected to reduce paperwork and streamline the international travel process at Indian airports. Representational Pic

The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) on Monday announced that, from September 1, international travellers can use e-boarding passes displayed on their smartphones during immigration clearance at Indian airports, eliminating the need for physical stamping of boarding passes.

According to PTI, BoI, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), issued an "important advisory" on its social media handle X, saying the move would mean "less paper, fewer steps and smoother travel."

E-boarding passes to be accepted during immigration

In its post, the BoI said international travellers can 'go digital' from September 1, with e-boarding passes now accepted during immigration clearance.

"International travellers can use e-boarding passes displayed on their smartphones during immigration clearance," the agency said, PTI reported.

Travellers enrolled in the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) will also be able to use e-boarding passes at e-gates, it added.

No more stamping of boarding passes

The BoI said boarding passes will no longer be stamped during immigration clearance once the new system comes into effect.

However, physical boarding passes will continue to be accepted for passengers who prefer to carry or use paper copies.

CISF stamping also expected to end

A senior officer involved in airport security said the new e-boarding pass system will also eliminate the need for stamping by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) before passengers board their flights.

The move is expected to reduce paperwork and streamline the international travel process at Indian airports while allowing passengers to use digital boarding passes throughout key stages of their airport journey.

Pune airport's daily flight operations raised to 235, says Murlidhar Mohol

Meanwhile, earlier in August, officials said Maharashtra's Pune airport will handle 235 daily flight operations, with priority given to introducing new domestic and international services.

The additional flight slots became available following coordination with the Indian Air Force, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol said.

The minister said the Centre is working to expand Pune's direct air connectivity and meet the growing demand from passengers.

Mohol said the additional slots will be used to strengthen existing routes and introduce flights to new destinations.

Airlines currently operating from Pune airport include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Fly91, Star Air and Alliance Air. After the increase in available slots, airlines have been informed, and discussions have started with their headquarters to launch new services and increase flight frequency on existing routes.

(With PTI inputs)