Srinagar, April 12 -- The traditional check-in process and boarding passes could soon be a thing of the past, as global air travel prepares for a major digital transformation. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency, is planning to introduce a "digital travel credential" that would revolutionize how passengers board flights.

Under the new system, travelers would store passport information and other credentials directly on their phones. When a flight is booked, a "journey pass" would be issued and automatically updated with any changes. There would be no need to manually check in or carry a boarding pass-facial recognition at airport touchpoints would verify a traveler's identity and notify airlines of their arri...