Pre-embarkation security checkpoints at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), in Bengaluru, will soon eliminate the requirement for passengers using Terminal 2 (T2) to remove personal electronic devices, like as laptops and mobile phones, from their purses.
Within the next few weeks, a trial run for the CTX (Computer Tomography X-ray) machine at T2 will begin, according to Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the airport operator at KIA. The new system, which is mostly intended for domestic travel, is anticipated to go live in December 2023.
“Within the next few weeks, the CTX machine trial run at T2 will commence,” BIAL’s Chief Operating Officer, Satyaki Raghunath, announced.
“KIA will be the first airport in India to begin passenger trials for the CTX machine, which will be integrated with the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners,” he stated.
Three full-body scanners have been deployed at T2 for a quicker and more secure flying experience, according to BIAL authorities.
What is the new system going to do?
By rotating the view, operators can see what’s within bags, which reduces the need for physical examination and rechecks. Additionally, fewer trays will be needed for each passenger during security screening thanks to the new technology, according to Raghunath.
This will expedite the screening procedure and allow passengers to leave their electronics (laptops, etc.) and LAGs (liquids, aerosols, and gels) in their luggage. Additionally, it will shorten security checkpoint processing times. Less stuff taken out of bags implies fewer trays, which expedites the divesting process and lowers contact points, all of which improve hygiene “added the speaker.
Airport in Bengaluru Farewell to devices in trays
In addition, it will do away with the present procedure of patting down travelers following a first screening via the walk-through metal detector.
“At T2, a Proof of Concept (POC) for CTX is being tested. Trials involving passengers will start shortly once the installation and integration with ATRS lanes are completed, according to Raghunath.
“Advanced screening of carry-on baggage using CT and automatic explosives detection algorithms will improve security outcomes with superior 3D image quality, and CT can better identify the density of liquids,” he stated.
The ‘terminal in a garden,’ or T2, was built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, and it was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022. It started operating domestically on January 15, 2023. On September 12, international flight operations at T2 were launched.
While domestic carriers like Akasa Air, Alliance Air, IndiGo (domestic), and SpiceJet serve domestic flights out of Terminal 1 (T1), international carriers including AirAsia, Air India, Star Air, and Vistara serve domestic flights out of Terminal 2.
How are other airports doing?
Although the airport in Delhi has tested the CTX machine, passenger trials with the CTX machine coupled with ATRS and full-body scanners have not yet been done.
According to a representative for Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), “From February 2023 to May 2023, CTX trials were held at IGIA in Terminal 2.” Stakeholder comment is currently being sought after in light of the experiments.” Full-body scanners are not yet available at the IGI Airport. “CT & FBS are under procurement.” Airports in Bengaluru and Mumbai also hosted CTX trials, a DIAL representative said.
“The major advantages of the facility are passenger convenience, enhanced security screening, ease of screening/identification of threat articles, smoother passenger transit, and faster security screening,” the spokeswoman for DIAL stated.
By year’s end, all major airports handling 50 lakh passengers were required by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to deploy 3D CTX devices for cabin checks, but most operators are likely to miss the deadline.
