Soon, full body scanners to check passengers at Delhi airport

“Initially, only airport staff were part of the trials. Now, passengers have also been included,” a source said.

The trials will go on for three to four months, after which “a Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)-led committee will evaluate the findings and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for full-scale implementation,” according to an earlier press statement by airport operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).

The airport operator had procured four scanners, with two installed at Terminal 1, and another two set up at Terminal 3.

These scanners are designed to improve security while expediting passenger movement. It can detect both metallic as well as non-metallic threats, including explosives.

“To address privacy concerns, the scanners generate a standardised 2D image on a preset human avatar, ensuring no personal images are stored. They are equipped with four touchscreen monitors for image evaluation and passenger guidance, and can scan individuals between 3.3 ft to 6.7 ft in height,” the press statement had stated.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, DIAL CEO, had earlier said, “The Delhi Airport remains committed to deploying the latest technology to enhance security while ensuring a seamless passenger experience. The introduction of these body scanners is a game-changer in security screening, allowing for faster and more effective checks without compromising privacy.”

Each scan takes approximately three seconds, with a maximum capacity of 1,200 scans per hour.

The scanners will use millimeter-wave technology operating between 70 to 80 GHz, DIAL had said.

Unlike conventional X-ray scanners, they do not emit radiation, making them safe for all travellers, including pregnant women and those with medical implants.

The technology is already in use at major international airports in the United States, Canada, and Australia.