Passengers will have to report well in advance for international departures as a portion of the terminal will have only stand-alone X-ray machines for scanning baggage.
This is because the existing inline baggage screening system in the international terminal is going to be upgraded in a phased manner by the end of March.
According to officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI), it is ideal for passengers to report three hours in advance because there is likely to be congestion, as it will take more time to scan baggage with these X-ray machines.
Scanning systems
“Usually, passengers report two hours in advance but now, only if they come three hours ahead of the schedule departure, they can complete all the check-in and security procedures on time and board the aircraft,” an official said. There are four inline baggage scanning systems in the international terminal at present.
At first, the baggage screening system in the west wing of the international terminal will be taken up for upgradation and then the ones in the east wing, officials said.
Handling and transfer
“This upgradation will help airline personnel in handling and transfer of baggage,” he added.
Also, the entry of visitors has been suspended till the upgradation work is complete on 31 March.
