Trials to Commence at Terminals 1 and 3 with Privacy-Safe Scanners
New Delhi, April 4 — Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set to roll out trials of full body scanners this May, aiming to enhance passenger security while reducing wait times at security checkpoints. The initiative, led by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), will see the installation of four scanners—two each at Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3).Advanced Millimeter-Wave Technology for Safer Screening
Unlike conventional X-ray scanners, the new machines operate using millimeter-wave technology in the 70 to 80 GHz range. DIAL emphasized that this method emits no harmful radiation, making it safe for all travellers, including pregnant women and those with medical implants.Privacy-Protected Scanning with No Image Storage
To address privacy concerns, the scanners will display a standardized 2D image on a preset human avatar, ensuring that no personal images are stored or displayed. Additionally, each machine will include four touch screen monitorsfor image evaluation and to guide passengers through the process.“These advanced scanners are capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives,” DIAL noted, adding that the scanning process takes just three seconds per person, with a maximum capacity of 1,200 scans per hour.
BCAS Oversight and Nationwide Implementation in Sight
The full body scanner trials will follow the latest guidelines from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Once the three-to-four-month trial concludes, a BCAS-led committee will assess the results and draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for broader implementation across Indian airports.“All scan data will be stored securely and access will be restricted to authorised agencies,” DIAL assured.
DIAL CEO: Faster Checks Without Compromising Privacy
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, said the introduction of full body scanners marks a major step forward for passenger screening. “These scanners will allow for faster and more effective checks without compromising privacy,” he stated.Delhi’s IGIA remains the busiest and largest airport in the country, and this new technology could soon become a blueprint for other airports. Bengaluru airport has already been conducting similar trials for nearly a year.
With this move, India joins a growing list of countries—including the US, Canada, and Australia—already using full body scanners at their major airports.