Southampton Airport to introduce new body scanning technology

The security scanners, which are being installed this week, will be able to detect a range of threats to security in seconds using millimetre wave technology.

It follows new regulations set out by the Department for Transport on security at airports.

The airport will be the fourth in the UK to introduce the scanner and will use it alongside existing screening systems.

When a passenger travels through the scanner it will create a generic, mannequin-style image which will highlight areas which may need further investigation.

The scanner cannot store, print or transmit the image, does not present a health risk and pictures are automatically deleted after passengers are cleared.

Simon Young, security operations manager at Southampton Airport, said: ‘Security here at Southampton Airport is our absolute number one priority.

‘We are committed to ensuring the safety of the hundreds and thousands of passengers who pass through the airport every year.

‘The introduction of this security scanner is in direct response to rules set out by the Department for Transport (DfT) in regards to the screening of passengers and it will be fully operational before the end of December.

‘The technology employed by the security scanner is designed in such a way that it maintains the privacy of the passenger whilst also ensuring the safety and security of the airport, something which is paramount to us.‘