Passengers flying from Srinagar, Jammu, and Ayodhya may soon pass through full body scanners at airport security, with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) having requested operators at these airports to install the advanced imaging technology on a priority basis, a senior government official said on Wednesday (June 17, 2026). The Bureau has also asked all other airport operators handling the movement of more than 50 lakh passengers annually to install the machines.
These scanners are already being used on a trial basis in the Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides aviation security cover at 73 civil airports across the country, is evaluating the functioning of the scanners in these airports. The trials began in May 2026 and will continue for three months.
The scanners can detect metallic and non-metallic items concealed under clothing, while reducing the need for physical frisking and ensuring a smoother travel experience, the official said.
Photo: Special Arrangement
Minimises physical frisking
On April 2, the BCAS had issued the standard operating procedure for these scanners which are installed at pre-embarkation security points.
“The deployment of [full body scanners] is expected to significantly enhance threat detection capabilities by minimising physical frisking. The trial initiated in May 2026 will evaluate its operational effectiveness, passenger convenience, privacy safeguards, and integration with existing security procedures,” the official said, adding that the evaluation will guide future policy decisions.
Other security measures include bomb detection and disposal squads that have been deployed at 25 airports, while bomb detection teams have been activated at 35 additional airports. Dog squads have been established at most airports to augment security operations through specialised 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 illegally transported through airports. Until May 31 this year, 12.779 kg of gold, 23.825 kg of silver and ₹14.49 crore in cash has been seized by CISF personnel at airports.
Photo: Special Arrangement
The CISF is also in the process of digitising operational records, including those pertaining to explosive detection system checks and prohibited item detections. The proposed integration of digitised operational registers with integrated command centres is expected to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
Between 2021 and June 17, 2026, there have been 63 cases of drugs detected by the CISF. The seizures included substances such as tramadol, methaqualone, cannabis, charas, heroin, brown sugar, marijuana, and hashish.
Published - June 17, 2026 10:16 pm IST