GURUGRAM, August 26, 2025: SpiceJet has proudly launched a paperless boarding process at Shillong airport, enhancing the check-in experience for passengers by making it faster, more environmentally friendly, and seamless. With this new system, passengers checking in at the airport counter will receive their boarding passes through WhatsApp, thereby eliminating the need for printed versions. This initiative significantly cuts down on wait times at check-in and promotes eco-friendly travel by reducing paper consumption. It is part of SpiceJet’s larger dedication to sustainability and digital advancement, marking the first instance where an airline has implemented WhatsApp-based boarding passes at airport check-in counters.
Despite the availability of web check-in and initiatives like Digi Yatra, over 9 million boarding passes were printed at airports in India in June 2025, resulting in approximately 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s initiative aims to mitigate this unnecessary carbon footprint within the aviation sector. The implementation of the paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s homegrown Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS), a browser-based platform that enables check-in staff to issue digital boarding passes through WhatsApp or email, and baggage tags via SMS, using tablets or standard airport check-in computers. This innovation not only simplifies the check-in process but also boosts operational efficiency. SpiceJet intends to broaden this paperless boarding initiative to additional airports across India.
GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer at SpiceJet, stated, “At SpiceJet, we continuously strive to improve the travel experience for our passengers while prioritizing sustainability. The launch of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport represents a significant advancement in that effort. We look forward to rolling out this convenience-driven initiative at more airports soon.” About SpiceJet: SpiceJet is India’s preferred airline, making air travel affordable for countless Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified airline, SpiceJet operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is one of the largest regional players in the country, conducting multiple daily flights under the UDAN or Regional Connectivity Scheme. Most of the airline’s fleet features SpiceMax, providing the most spacious economy-class seating in India.