Passengers at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 (KIA T2) will soon experience enhanced security screening as the airport operator, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), gears up for a trial run of the Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) machine.
The CTX machine, integrated with the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners, aims to revolutionize the pre-embarkation security process. The trial run is expected to commence within the next few weeks and will initially be limited to domestic passengers, with full operational deployment anticipated by December 2023.
Innovative Security Measures at Bengaluru Airport: Pioneering CTX Machine Trials and Enhanced Passenger Screening
Satyaki Raghunath, the Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, highlighted that KIA will be the first airport in India to conduct passenger trials for the CTX machine. The innovative system allows operators to rotate views for thorough bag content examinations, reducing the need for re-checks and physical inspections. Notably, three full-body scanners have been installed at T2 to facilitate a quicker and more secure flying experience.
The new screening process enables passengers to leave electronic devices and liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in their bags, streamlining security checks and minimizing the number of trays needed per person. This efficiency not only accelerates the screening process but also improves hygiene by reducing contact points. Additionally, the advanced CTX machine eliminates the necessity for patting down passengers after the initial screening through the walk-through metal detector.
Cutting-Edge Security at Bengaluru Airport T2: Advancements in CTX Technology and Passenger Trials
Raghunath emphasized that the CTX Proof of Concept (POC) is undergoing trials at T2, with installation and integration with ATRS lanes in progress. The technology’s benefits include superior 3D image quality and the capability to identify the density of liquids, enhancing overall security outcomes.
KIA T2, inaugurated in November 2022, has been designed as a ‘terminal in a garden’ and began domestic operations in January 2023, followed by international flight operations in September of the same year. While other airports like Delhi have conducted CTX trials, KIA stands out by initiating passenger trials, aiming to provide a seamless and secure travel experience for both domestic and international travelers.
