This paper introduces a pan-India facial recognition technology (FRT)-led biometric boarding system: the Digi Yatra app (DYA). It outlines the benefits and challenges of the DYA as an AI-driven FRT at airports. The paper discusses key regulatory approaches along with the applicable legal principles to govern FRT-led biometric boarding systems in the context of India and briefly compares it with the European Union (EU) standards on data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) standards, especially as related to FRT applications for air travel. It provides practical policy recommendations by emphasising a systematic approach which covers the regulatory spectrum from broader regulatory foundations to narrower issues and context-specific applications of certain AI-driven technologies, eg FRT applications for air travel to uphold the constitutional balance between data privacy and convenience