How India’s Bold Adoption Of AI And Biometric Technology Is Revolutionising The Global Travel Landscape And Setting New Standards

Published on October 27, 2025

Indian travellers are at the forefront of embracing AI and biometric technologies, driving a transformative shift in the travel industry. With a growing preference for biometric gateways to streamline airport processes and AI-powered assistants for personalised support, Indian travellers are setting the global standard for smarter, more efficient travel. This rapid adoption reflects India’s digital-first ecosystem, with a strong foundation in mobile payments and tech innovation. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to reshape travel by offering seamless, frictionless experiences tailored to individual needs.

A recent global study by Amadeus reveals that Indian travellers are leading the way in embracing AI and biometric technology to enhance their travel experiences. With 74% of Indian respondents favouring biometric gateways and 64% open to using AI-powered travel assistants, the study highlights how India’s digital-first landscape is shaping more personalised, seamless, and frictionless journeys.

Amadeus’ research, titled Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade, surveyed 9,500 global travellers from countries including India, China, Singapore, France, Spain, the UK, and the US. It underscores the growing interest in cutting-edge travel technologies, particularly in India, where the adoption rate of AI and biometric innovations is accelerating.

In India, 74% of respondents expressed comfort with the use of biometric gateways, enabling faster, paperless airport procedures. This figure is notably higher than the global average of 69%. The findings reflect the growing demand for technology that enhances efficiency and minimises friction throughout the travel process. India’s well-established digital payments ecosystem, driven by platforms like UPI and mobile wallets, further supports the country’s readiness for seamless, contactless travel experiences.

Artificial intelligence is another technology making waves in Indian travel. The use of generative AI for trip planning has increased significantly, from 17% last year to 26% in 2025, with 33% of users applying AI to plan international leisure travel. Most Indian travellers (97%) reported positive experiences with AI-powered planning tools. These tools saved time for 49% of users, helped discover hidden travel destinations for 45%, and offered more creative itineraries for 44%. The rise of AI has opened new doors for travellers seeking to optimise their journeys and explore destinations beyond the traditional offerings.

AI travel assistants have also gained considerable traction among Indian travellers. A strong 64% of respondents expressed interest in using AI for real-time, in-trip support, with 17% willing to pay up to 5% of their total trip value for such services. However, 25% of participants noted frustrations with AI services, including outdated information, inaccurate results, and a lack of personalisation, indicating that there is still room for improvement in delivering a more tailored experience.

The study also highlights the continued significance of loyalty programmes in influencing traveller behaviour. A remarkable 92% of Indian travellers are enrolled in at least one loyalty programme, with nearly half (47%) reporting that such incentives encourage them to travel more frequently for leisure. Additionally, 46% of participants indicated that loyalty programmes incentivised them to opt for premium travel experiences, further reinforcing the impact of loyalty on the travel market.

Despite the growing reliance on technology, 90% of air travellers still experience anxiety during their journey, particularly concerning security checks, flight delays, and airport transfers. To address these concerns, technologies such as remote baggage check-in, real-time updates, and integrated ‘super apps’ are being implemented to ease traveller stress and improve overall experience.

The study indicates that Indian travellers are at the forefront of digital adoption, leading the global shift towards smarter and more efficient travel experiences. With the increased use of AI and biometric technology, the future of travel promises to be more personalised, seamless, and built around the needs of the traveller. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the potential to redefine how people move around the world, offering enhanced convenience and confidence every step of the way.