AI Bots Quicken Pre-Departure Process, Boost Self-Service at Airports

Airports in India are using technology to give instructions and assistance to air passengers in pre-departure procedures. At the Delhi airport, from travel change information to self-service for boarding passes and baggage tags everything is aided by artificial intelligence (AI) bots.

"The quick-drop solution not only speeds up the baggage drop but also ensures a smoother journey for our passengers," said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, Delhi airport chief executive, according to the Economic Times report.

AI technology has cut down the role of staff at airports in India at least in pre-departure procedures. The passengers can seek help for multiple services from AI bot regarding booking tickets, seat selection, and even performing web check-ins.

As per ET report, a spokesperson for the Delhi airport said that the AI bots facility is being used by around 25 per cent of passengers. Sumesh Patel, president of the Asia-Pacific region of technology company SITA reportedly said the adoption of tech by Indian passengers is higher than anywhere else.

Post covid the concept of self-service has gained momentum and passengers avoided human contact. This resulted in a perfect opportunity for AI-driven technology to replace humans. The usage of AI bots has reduced time spent in doing pre-departure procedures.

DigiYatra uses facial recognition technology for passengers' entry inside terminals and security clearance at airports. It facilitates contactless and paperless processing. DigiYatra is a joint venture of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Digi Yatra Foundation.

The passengers can go through various checkpoints without human contact. It has also reduced the entry procedure timing to 5 seconds compared to 15-20 seconds required with human contact.

He added, "You don't have to interact with anyone. You don't have to talk to anyone. You don't have to have the inconvenience of holding two documents in your hand."