TBM Staff - Mumbai
The number of flyers using the DigiYatra app at Pune Airport has steadily declined since January 2024, following the Civil Aviation Ministry’s clarification that its usage is voluntary and requires passengers’ informed consent. In January 2024, 1,73,004 passengers used DigiYatra, but this number dropped to 1,36,423 by April 2024. The system, launched in April 2023, uses facial recognition technology for seamless airport travel, but concerns about privacy and enforcement have contributed to the decline.
Despite the decline in DigiYatra usage, Pune Airport saw significant growth in passenger numbers and flight movements during the financial year 2023-24. The airport recorded 64,030 flight movements and 95.25 lakh passenger footfall, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and earning a profit of INR 207.59 crore.
The decrease in DigiYatra usage might be attributed to the ministry’s clarification on its voluntary nature and the increase in traditional check-in counters at the airport. Some passengers have opted for conventional check-ins, reducing congestion at DigiYatra gates.
However, the airport’s cargo operations have remained stagnant, handling 39,557 Metric Tonnes of domestic cargo in 2023-24, similar to pre-pandemic levels. The stagnancy was partly due to regulatory issues and the relocation of the cargo terminal, which led to a temporary shutdown of operations.
Despite the challenges, Pune Airport’s Director, Santosh Dhoke, expressed optimism about future growth in both passenger and cargo operations as regulatory hurdles are addressed and infrastructure improvements are completed.
