India airports to get automatic security trays, faster immigration in major passenger upgrade

Air passengers in India could soon experience quicker security checks and smoother immigration as the Centre has announced a series of technology-driven measures to improve passenger movement at airports.

The initiatives include the phased installation of Automatic Tray Retrieval Systems (ATRS), expansion of baggage drop facilities at more airports, operationalisation of new immigration checkpoints, and wider adoption of the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Travellers' Programme (FTI-TTP).

The decisions were taken during a high-level review of passenger facilities, security arrangements and immigration systems at major airports.

Automatic security tray system to be introduced in phases

One of the biggest changes announced is the phased rollout of the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) across airports.

The system automatically returns security trays after cabin baggage screening, reducing manual handling and helping passengers move through security checkpoints more efficiently. The government has also directed that appropriate standards be established so ATRS becomes part of new airport developments.

Airport passenger flow to be redesigned

The government has decided to adopt a coordinated approach to passenger movement across airports by linking every major touch-point, including entry gates, check-in counters, security screening lanes and immigration counters.

The objective is to minimise bottlenecks and ensure passengers can move seamlessly through different stages of the airport journey without unnecessary delays.

62 airports to be prioritised for development

The Centre has directed that 62 airports - including 21 currently under development and another 41 airports - be prioritised for infrastructure upgrades based on passenger traffic and security requirements.

The work will follow security standards prescribed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), while also focusing on improving passenger convenience. The government has set a target of completing the work within the next two years.

More baggage drop facilities and aerobridges planned

To improve airport operations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been asked to frame norms for the number of aerobridges required at airports based on passenger and aircraft traffic.

The government has also directed that baggage drop facilities, currently available at 16 major airports, be extended to other international airports handling high passenger traffic.

Immigration network to expand by 2027

The government has directed that Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) offices be established at the headquarters of all states by 2027.

It has also instructed authorities to operationalise authorised Immigration Check Posts at Agartala and Jewar airports at the earliest to strengthen immigration services.

FTI-TTP to receive digital push

The Centre plans to encourage more international travellers to enrol in the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Travellers' Programme (FTI-TTP), which enables faster immigration clearance for eligible passengers.

To increase registrations, airlines may work with authorities to send WhatsApp messages to passengers at the time of booking international flight tickets, inviting them to register for the programme before travel.

Third-party studies to identify passenger delays

To further improve the airport experience, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will independently commission third-party studies during peak travel periods.

The studies will assess delays across airport touch-points, including security screening and immigration, and recommend measures to reduce waiting times and improve operational efficiency.

What it means for passengers

Once implemented, these measures are expected to make airport journeys smoother by reducing waiting times at security and immigration checkpoints, improving passenger movement inside terminals, and expanding facilities such as baggage drop counters. Frequent international travellers may also benefit from faster immigration clearance by enrolling in the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Travellers' Programme (FTI-TTP). Many of these initiatives will be rolled out in phases, so passengers may see the changes introduced gradually across airports.