Delhi Airport to launch full-body scanner trials in May 2025

Full body scanners at Delhi Airport

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will soon have advanced full-body radiation-free scanners to enhance security while maintaining accuracy. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) on April 4 said that the trials for the scanners will begin from May 2025.

The airport operator said that four state-of-the-art scanners have been procured for the trials. Two of them will be installed at Terminal 1 (T1), while the other two will be placed at Terminal 3 (T3). It further said that the IT interface of these machines is currently being finalised. After the completion of the three- to four-month long trial, a BCAS-led committee will go through the findings and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for full-scale implementation.

Unlike traditional X-ray scanners, these advanced machines do not emit radiation. They instead use millimeter-wave technology operating between 70 to 80 GHz, making them safe for all travelers including pregnant women and individuals with medical implants.

According to DIAL, these full body scanners can detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives.  These can complete the scan in just three seconds, significantly speeding up the security checks at airport.

The airport operator further said that the scanners ensure no personal images are stored, while generating a standardized 2D image on a preset human avatar. These can scan in individuals between 3.3 feet to 6.7 feet in height.

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DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said, "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. Our focus is on making air travel more convenient for passengers, and these trials, planned in accordance with government guidelines, will help us evaluate the system's efficiency before a full-scale rollout."