Can We Travel by Flight Without a Passport in India 2025

The internal flight sector in India is in a fast development process in 2025, and the question everyone asks is: can we travel by flight without a passport in India? In this comprehensive guide, you will have a clear picture of the regulations, allowed documents, and the policy of the airline, as well as the advice of the experts. Being an Indian citizen, knowing what paperwork is required and what is not will keep the traveller stress-free at the airport. So, let us take a look at what the future has in store with regard to domestic flyers in 2025, and let us understand, can we travel by flight without a passport in India, how can we travel domestic flights in India without a passport, and more.

Can We Travel by Flight Without a Passport in India?

Yes, Indian citizens can use domestic flights without a passport within the country of India. Nevertheless, a government-issued photo identification document is required to make a flight.

The following is what you should know:

• Carrying passports is not necessary to travel on domestic flights within India.

• An authentic and approved government identification document, which is a primary identification proof, is necessary.

• The rules may vary a little depending on each airline, thus it is advisable to check before.

• The special documentation needs might exist among children and foreign nationals.

What is the Difference Between Domestic and International Flight Requirements in India? Latest Update 2025

The important distinction is in the jurisdiction and border control. Breakdown of the same is as follows:

 Also Read: Do We Need a Passport to Travel Within India? Experts Guide

Understanding Domestic Flight Travel Requirements in India 2025

By 2025, an ID-based travel system remains, but the passport becomes optional. These are the requirements by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Key Requirements:

• A ticket that has the same name as your ID
• A government-issued photo identification card
• Check-in and take-off procedures that meet the airport security requirements

How Can We Travel Domestic Flights in India Without a Passport: Accepted ID Document in 2025

In India, internal flights do not require a passport for Indians. Rather, the identity of a traveller must be verified using a government-approved identification document that contains the validity of another identification document. This further makes it comfortable and available to millions of Indians who do not necessarily need a passport but would like to travel across the country by air. The question, how we can fly a domestic flight in India without a passport, is a question of practicality, and the answer is to seek to know the types of documents that are legally recognised.

Whether you are travelling on a business trip, vacation, or emergency purpose, it is important to know what identification you can carry with you and how to exhibit it (or, in other words, splendidly display in both industrial and online shapes and forms), to ensure no inconveniences are waiting at the airport. BCAS and individual airlines acknowledge various types of IDs, which can be Aadhaar, PAN, and even the digital version, such as DigiLocker, mAadhaar.

It is possible to have several acceptable options other than a passport to use in domestic flights. These comprise physical and online ID documents.

 Complete List of Valid ID Proofs for Domestic Flights

The complete list of valid ID proofs for domestic flights is:

There are no international laws or treaties applicable to domestic flights; hence, the use of a passport is not necessary for domestic flights classified as internal travel.

Digital ID Acceptance: DigiLocker and mAadhaar Guidelines

Digitalisation is going on full swing, and now you can use DigiLocker and mAadhaar apps in domestic travel.

1. DigiLocker:

• Document wallet in the form of apps
• Copies of Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, etc., were checked in stores.
• Admitted in most big Indian airports

2. mAadhaar:

• Aadhaar app official
• The account should be active and should be linked with the UIDAI database

Also Read: Top 10 Countries to Visit Without a Visa from India

Airline-Specific Documentation Policies in India 2025

Although the requirements governing domestic flight documentation are determined in general terms by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), there might be some specific needs or preferences on the part of individual airlines in India. Indian airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air, and others adhere to the national ID standards as of 2025; still, they tend to maintain certain policies that should also be known by travellers.

Then why the Airline-Specific Uniform Rules?

• Embarks on security protocols compliance
• Minimises the possibility of boarding rejection because of ID mismatch
• Assists every category of special travellers (minors, students, senior citizens)

Major Airlines' ID Requirements

Now that you have an answer for Can we travel by flight without a passport in India, let us look more in detail. The major airline ID requirements are listed below:

1. Air India Documentation Policies

• Admits all the regular government-issued forms of identification
• Foreign nationals are advised to have a passport
• mAadhaar and DigiLocker were approved

1. IndiGo Travel Document Guidelines

• Smart name-ID validation imposed
• Aadhaar, PAN No., and Driving License are acceptable
• Electronic records to be embraced under the condition that they are legible

1. SpiceJet ID Requirements

• Supporter of digital and physical IDs
• Supporting documents have to be presented by the student traveller and minor travellers.

1. Other Domestic Carriers' Policies

• All the airlines, including Vistara and Akasa Air, use the usual ID procedures
• Travellers should look online at airline websites prior to transportation.

What are the Special Circumstances for Domestic Air Travel Without a Passport in India 2025?

Although there is no passport required to travel within India in general, some border cases and special travelling conditions can demand additional documents, care, or procedures. In this section, we will try to describe these situations in the most understandable way that a traveller can use to sidestep exceptions and be surprised at the last minute in the airport.

However, there are exceptions where special documentation may be necessary even in domestic flights.

Child and Minor Travel Requirement

• Children below 5 years old: a Birth certificate or school identification
• Travelling alone without authorisation by parents, minors: Letter of consent, school ID, and birth certificate

Foreign Nationals' Domestic Travel Rules

The foreign nationals are required to carry their passports along, even on a domestic flight in India.

 Lost ID Emergency Procedures

 What to do in the case you lose your identity:

• Record a FIR or police report at once
• Appear before the airline counter with a duly signed affidavit and a passport-sized passport
• Always have a backup of identification or a DigiLocker soft copy to verify

  Also Read: Passport Types in India: Expert's Latest Guide

Latest State-Specific and Regional Considerations for Domestic Flights in India 2025

Although India adheres to national aviation standards concerning domestic air transportation, its regions and union territories may have regional entry regulations. Learning about these differences can save the vacationer a lot of trouble at the last minute and can make sure that the traveller does not violate any laws of the country they are visiting. The flying inside the country is governed by the national policies; the states of India can impose more requirements.

Restricted Areas and Special Permits

The permit requirements are always subject to changes that should be looked at on the respective state tourism websites

Latest Advantages of Carrying a Passport for Domestic Travel (Optional)  

It is not mandatory, but it could have some benefits to carry your passport:

• Accepted by all airlines' universal ID
• It is helpful to gain verifiable access within a short time frame
• Useful during emergency cases when you misplace other IDs
• Required for foreign nationals even on local flights   

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide

Common Mistakes and Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Domestic Travel

Although in India, passports are not required when travelling within the country, a lot of passengers face unnecessary inconveniences because of errors in documents, a mismatch of identifications, or oversight in security. This part includes practical advice that will enable you to fly without stress in 2025 based on practical evidence-based knowledge.

Name Matching Guidance

What makes it important: You will have to make sure that your government-issued ID is the same as your name on the flight ticket. Any minor mismatch (e.g., lack of initials or short names) results in denied boarding.

• Book show tickets using your complete legal name that is shown in your valid ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).
• Do not use nicknames, abbreviations, or variations of the spelling.
• In the event that your name has changed (usually after marriage), bring along supporting documents.
• IndiGo, Air India, or SpiceJet websites: the rules of name change in these airlines can be different.

 Document Preparation Checklist

Things to prep before travel:

• Ticket name, Confirm ID
• Make sure that the ID is not expired
• Bring physical ID (Aadhaar, DL, and so on)
• Optional(document upload on DigiLocker)
• Displayed backup ID (where applicable)
• Board pass/ Print/Download
• Take consent letters (in case of minors

 Airport Security Practice

Indian airports have strict security checks. To prevent wasting time, these are the major practices at the Entry Gate of the Airport:

• Produce a valid government-issued photo ID/ mobile ticket
• You will be expected to match the face with your ID photo.
•  Stand lines ( screening range: 3' in length, 6' in diameter, with door in centre)
• Laptops, power banks, and chargers will have to be taken off for scanning
• Do not wear belts, jackets, or heavy jewellery.
• Be sure to have your ID in hand because a CISF officer might check it one more time.

 Tip-Insider:

• Travel time to the international flight should be 2-2 1/2 hours before the departure time.
• Utilise specific counters (For example, DigiYatra lanes if available)
• Calm down and do what the security staff asks you to do.
• Women can order the screening booths privately.

Flying Domestically in India Without a Passport: New Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Here is a step-by-step guide to flying domestically in India without a passport:

• Book a ticket using your name as in the ID (legal, not the one you want to be shown by ID)
• Select a photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, and so on).
• Download digital ID by DigiLocker/Maadhaar(optional)
• Go to the airport early enough
• Show ID and boarding pass at the entrance gate.
• Full security check and verification of IDs

Also Read: What is a File Number in Passport? Latest Experts Guide

Latest Facts & News: Domestic Flight Travel in India 2025

Hook: Discover surprising changes in domestic flight travel requirements that could save you time and avoid airport hassles!

1. No Passport Required: Indian citizens don't need passports for domestic flights—government-issued photo IDs are sufficient.
2. Digital ID Acceptance: DigiLocker and mAadhaar digital IDs are now accepted at most Indian airports, streamlining check-in processes.
3. Children's Travel Updates: Minors must have valid identification, like birth certificates or school IDs; unaccompanied minors need additional documentation.
4. Foreign National Rules: Only foreign nationals require passports for domestic flights within India—no exceptions.
5. Airline Policy Variations: Different airlines may have specific documentation requirements; always verify before travel.
6. Lost ID Protocol: Airlines may accept affidavits with photographs if original IDs are lost, though this can cause boarding delays.
7. Name Matching Requirement: Ticket names must precisely match ID names to prevent boarding issues and delays.
8. State-Specific Considerations: Some destinations may require additional permits or COVID-19 certificates.

Conclusion

In order to answer the question: can we travel by flight without a passport in India -- Yes, by all means. Indian citizens are not required to have a passport when making domestic flights, provided they have a valid government-issued photo identity document. But knowing the rules peculiar to airlines, the use of digital identification and good organization of your documents will help to make the process easy. Hope this guide helped you figure out can we travel by flight without a passport in India, how can we travel domestic flights in India without a passport, and more.

To learn more about the latest rules for travelling in India and abroad, contact TerraTern right away!