Full-Body Scanners Under Trial at Key Indian Airports

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has initiated trials for full-body scanners at four major metropolitan airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi. These trials, which commenced in May 2026, are scheduled to span three months to assess operational efficiency. The initiative aims to modernize security infrastructure and streamline passenger processing by minimizing the necessity for traditional, manual physical frisking during pre-flight screenings.

Following the initial deployment at metro hubs, the BCAS has directed authorities in Srinagar, Jammu, and Ayodhya to install similar screening technology. The mandate applies specifically to airports that handle an annual passenger volume exceeding 50 lakh, signaling a broader push toward standardized high-tech security across India's aviation network. This shift follows years of testing and evaluating various scanner technologies intended to enhance both the speed and accuracy of security checks.

The adoption of full-body scanning technology is expected to significantly reduce wait times while maintaining robust security standards. As trials conclude later this year, the results will likely dictate the timeline for a nationwide rollout at other busy domestic terminals. This transition represents a major technological upgrade for the Central Industrial Security Force, which oversees security at most Indian airports.