Delhi Airport | Photo: PTI
Starting in May, Delhi Airport will begin trials of full-body scanners at Terminal 3, aiming to make security checks faster, smoother, and smarter. The goal? Cut wait times, reduce pat-down checks, and bring India’s busiest airport in line with global standards.
This is a major step in passenger convenience and aviation security, aligning with global best practices already in place at hubs like Heathrow and Schiphol. If all goes well, we could soon see these scanners rolled out nationwide.
The deployment of this cutting-edge screening technology marks a significant shift in airport security protocols and is expected to streamline checks while reducing wait times for flyers.
According to airport officials, two full-body scanners will be installed at Terminal 3 as part of the initial pilot project. If successful, the technology will be rolled out in a phased manner across all terminals at IGIA. The move aligns with international aviation security norms, with countries like the United States, the UK, and much of Europe having already adopted similar systems at major airports.
Speed meets security
Currently, passengers are required to undergo manual pat-down checks and metal detector screening, followed by baggage scanning. With the introduction of full-body scanners, the process is expected to become significantly faster and less intrusive.
“These scanners can complete a security scan in under two seconds, allowing for a smoother flow of passengers, especially during peak travel hours,” an airport source said.
The initiative also comes amid rising passenger traffic and the need for airports to adopt smarter, tech-driven solutions to manage footfall efficiently.
How it works
The full-body scanners use millimetre-wave technology, which is non-ionising and safe for all passengers, including pregnant women and children. The system produces a generic outline instead of detailed body images, ensuring passenger privacy while alerting security personnel to any concealed items on the body.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had earlier mandated the adoption of full-body scanners across airports in India, with major airports required to implement the change by March 2025. However, due to infrastructural constraints and pending trials, the timeline is being adjusted for gradual implementation.
A step toward global standards
The adoption of full-body scanners brings IGIA in line with global security standards and is seen as part of India’s broader vision to modernise its airport infrastructure. Delhi Airport, which handles more than 70 million passengers annually, is expected to benefit immensely from improved throughput and reduced congestion at security checkpoints.
Should the trials prove successful, full-body scanners are likely to become the new norm across Indian airports in the coming years. Industry experts believe that alongside automation, biometric systems, and AI-based security protocols, full-body scanners will play a key role in reshaping the future of air travel in India.
As India continues to climb the ranks of the world’s busiest aviation markets, such upgrades are not just timely but essential in supporting the country’s growing air traffic and meeting evolving global standards.
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