Delhi Airport to Begin Trials of Radiation-Free Full-Body Scanners in May 2025:

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi is set to trial radiation-free full-body scanners beginning May 2025, aiming to upgrade airport security while improving passenger experience. The announcement was made by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) on April 4.

Scanner Installation and Trial Timeline

According to DIAL, four advanced body scanners have been procured:

Two will be installed at Terminal 1 (T1)

Two at Terminal 3 (T3)

The scanners’ IT interfaces are currently being finalized. A trial period of three to four months will follow, after which a BCAS-led committee will review the results and draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for large-scale deployment.

Technology Overview: Safe and Fast Scans

Unlike traditional X-ray machines, these new scanners use millimeter-wave technology (70–80 GHz), making them completely radiation-free and safe for:

Pregnant women

Individuals with medical implants

Key features include:

Detection of both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives

Scan time of just three seconds, speeding up passenger screening

Support for individuals between 3.3 and 6.7 feet in height

No storage of personal images

Privacy-focused 2D standardized avatars for display

Commitment to Passenger Safety and Comfort

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar emphasized the airport’s dedication to deploying cutting-edge technologies to improve both security and convenience.

"These body scanners are a game-changer. They enhance security without compromising privacy and drastically reduce screening time. We’re focused on seamless travel and safety for all passengers," he said.

The trials, conducted in line with government regulations, will play a crucial role in evaluating system performance before a full-scale rollout.