Delhi airport to begin full body scanner trials from May to speed up security checks

Delhi airport will begin testing full body scanners in May, according to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL). These scanners will show a standard 2D image on a preset human figure, which means no personal images will be saved.

Four scanners have been brought in, two have been set up at Terminal 1 (T1) and two at Terminal 3 (T3). They are expected to help cut down waiting time for passengers.

"The IT interface for these machines is being finalised, and upon completion of the three-to-four-month trial, a BCAS-led committee will evaluate the findings and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for full-scale implementation," DIAL said in a release on Friday.


The scanners use millimetre-wave technology, operating between 70 to 80 GHz. DIAL said they are safer than normal X-ray scanners because they do not give off radiation. This makes them safe for everyone, including pregnant women and those with medical devices.

The trial will follow new rules from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and is set to start in May.

"These advanced scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives, significantly improving upon traditional metal detectors."

"The technology, already in use at major international airports in the US, Canada, and Australia, enables rapid screening, with each scan taking just three seconds and a maximum throughput of 1,200 scans per hour," the release said.

DIAL also said that the scanners only show a fixed 2D image on a preset avatar, protecting passengers’ privacy.

Each machine will have four touchscreen monitors to guide passengers and help with image checks. The scanners can scan people between 3.3 feet to 6.7 feet tall.

"All scan data is stored securely with access restricted to authorised agencies, ensuring both security and convenience for travellers," the release said.

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar added that these scanners will allow for faster and better checks without affecting privacy.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi is the largest airport in the country.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru airport has already been testing full body scanners for nearly a year.

Inputs from PTI