Full-body scanners on trial at four metro airports; BCAS is also asking Srinagar, Jammu, Ayodhya to install them

The scanners can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing, reducing the need for physical trimming and ensuring a smoother travel experience. Photo: Special arrangement

Passengers flying from Srinagar, Jammu and Ayodhya may soon go through full-body scanners at airport security, with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) asking operators at these airports to install advanced imaging technology on priority, a senior government official said on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The authority has also asked all other airport operators handling more than 50 million passengers a year to install the machines.

These scanners are already in trial use at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi airports. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides aviation security at 73 civil airports across the country, is evaluating the functioning of the scanners at these airports. Trials began in May 2026 and will continue for three months.

The scanners can detect metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing, reducing the need for physical fumbling and ensuring a smoother travel experience, the official said.

Photo: Special arrangement

Minimizes physical shocks

On April 2, BCAS issued a standard operating procedure for these scanners, which are installed at pre-boarding security points.

“The deployment (of full-body scanners) is expected to significantly enhance threat detection capabilities by minimizing physical fuzzing. A trial starting in May 2026 will evaluate its operational efficiency, passenger comfort, privacy protection and integration with existing security procedures,” the official said, adding that the evaluation will guide future policy decisions.

Additional security measures include bomb detection and disposal units that have been deployed at 25 airports, while bomb detection teams have been activated at another 35 airports. Dog squads have been set up at most airports to strengthen security operations through specialized canine support for explosive detection and other operational requirements, the official said.

Multiple seizures

In 2025, the CISF detected around 31.46 kg of gold, 114.13 kg of silver and cash amounting to ₹ 52.91 crore being transported illegally through the airport. Till May 31 this year, CISF personnel seized 12,779 kg of gold, 23,825 kg of silver and ₹14.49 crore in cash at the airports.

Photo: Special arrangement

The CISF is also in the process of digitizing operational records, including records relating to inspections of explosive detection systems and detection of prohibited articles. The proposed integration of digitized operational registers with integrated command centers is expected to improve efficiency, enhance accountability and facilitate data-driven decision-making.

From 2021 to 17 June 2026, 63 drug cases were detected by the CISF. Seizures included substances such as tramadol, methaqualone, cannabis, charas, heroin, brown sugar, marijuana and hashish.

Published – 17 Jun 2026 22:16 IST