Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set to become the first airport in India to phase out the traditional gadgets-in-tray security check system. The airport will soon begin passenger trials of a new system that will use CTX (Computer Tomography X-ray) machines, integrated with the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners.
Under the new system, passengers will no longer need to remove their personal electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, from their handbags at pre-embarkation security checkpoints. This is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes for passengers to pass through security.
The CTX machines will provide a more detailed view of the contents of passengers’ bags, which will help to improve security and reduce the need for re-checks and physical inspections. The ATRS will automatically retrieve trays for passengers, which will further speed up the security process.
The new system is expected to be operational for domestic passengers in December 2023. Trials for international passengers are expected to begin in early 2024.
Benefits of the New System
The new security system is expected to provide a number of benefits to passengers, including:
- Reduced wait times at security checkpoints
- Improved security
- Reduced physical contact with security screening equipment
- More efficient use of resources
Other Airports to Follow Suit
Bengaluru is not the only airport in India that is planning to implement the new security system. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has also conducted trials of CTX machines, and is expected to begin passenger trials in the near future. Other airports, such as Mumbai and Chennai, are also planning to implement the new system.
The implementation of the new security system is a major step forward for Indian airports. It will make the security process more efficient and secure, and it will improve the overall passenger experience.