The Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi has become the first airport in the country to introduce a "Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme" (FTI-TTP) for Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
The Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, inaugurated the programme by unveiling dedicated counters at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport for FTI-TTP beneficiaries. The FTI-TTP initiative is the brainchild of the central government whose aim is to provide Indian nationals and OCI cardholders with a faster, easier and more secure travel experience. To join the programme, eligible individuals must apply online.
To ensure a successful outcome, applicants must have at least six months of validity on their passport at the time of applying. Membership in the programme will be co-terminus with passport validity. The process requires applicants to submit their biometrics (fingerprints and facial image) along with other required information as specified in the application form. Registration under FTI-TTP will be completed after the necessary verifications and confirmation of eligibility. The process can take up to one month.
This first-of-its-kind facility in India aims to significantly reduce congestion at airports by offering expedited emigration and immigration clearance for pre-verified travellers, both arriving and departing. IGI Airport's Terminal 3 is equipped with eight electronic gates—four for arrivals and four for departures—to facilitate a smooth experience for programme participants. The number of counters may increase based on demand.
Videh Kumar Jaipuria, the CEO of airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), said “We at DIAL are very proud to join hands with the Government of India for launching the FTI-Trusted Traveller Programme at Delhi Airport. This programme will offer a world-class and seamless travel experience to all international passengers opting for this facility. This technology-driven initiative is designed to make the emigration/immigration clearance process faster and simpler.”
The FTI-TTP is similar to the “Global Entry” program offered by the United States Department of Homeland Security, where pre-approved, low-risk travellers benefit from expedited immigration and security clearance upon arrival.