India Enhances Security Measures at Ahmedabad Airport with New Luggage Screening System to Prevent Smuggling and Ensure Passenger Safety

Published on October 10, 2025

India has deployed a state-of-the-art luggage screening technology at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport with the primary purpose of reinforcing the apprehension of illegal materials and safeguarding traveler security. The airport’s growing numbers of international flights and the passengers onboard every day, necessitates the airport’s investment in secure technology capable of more rigorous enforcement of the checks on larger suitcases and smaller hand luggage. The screening technology, complemented with real-time monitoring, significantly improves the detection and interdiction of concealed illegal materials, such as gold and drugs, and illicit high-value portable electronic devices. These initiatives demonstrate India’s efforts to secure passengers and maintain the security of its airports.

Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has installed a sophisticated luggage-checking system aimed at airport security and the mitigation of smuggling. With a steady increase in the number of international flights, this additional security features guarantees that all travelers, regardless of the size of the luggage they carry, are subject to rigorous scrutiny. This article describes the system’s operation and the customs officers’ role in the inspection of travelers’ luggage to identify and intercept contraband gold, narcotics, alcohol, expensive electronic devices and other smuggled goods.

Increasing Passenger Traffic at Ahmedabad Airport

With the increasing frequency of international flights, Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has become a bustling hub for both domestic and international travel. The number of passengers arriving and departing daily has seen a sharp rise, especially in the evening hours when most international flights land. This surge in traffic has prompted the airport authorities to implement stricter measures to ensure passenger safety and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling.

The Introduction of the New Luggage-Checking System

To address growing security concerns and tackle illegal trade, Ahmedabad Airport has rolled out a new baggage screening procedure that involves a master control room for monitoring and the use of cutting-edge technology. The new system is designed to carefully inspect each passenger’s luggage, from large suitcases to smaller bags, using a combination of physical checks and advanced scanners.

The implementation of this enhanced luggage-checking process is part of a broader security initiative. The airport has set up a dedicated master control room to monitor passengers in real-time through more than 50 CCTV cameras. These cameras cover various points of the airport, including baggage screening, customs clearance, and the passenger terminals. This level of surveillance ensures that any suspicious behavior or items can be immediately detected, allowing customs officials to act quickly and efficiently.

Increased Vigilance and Screening of Handbags

One of the key components of the new system is the separate machine installed by the immigration department to screen handbags. Every handbag is now subjected to thorough inspection, ensuring that even smaller personal items are scrutinized. This has proven effective in identifying items that may otherwise have been overlooked in traditional checks. Smugglers often attempt to conceal contraband such as drugs, cigarettes, high-end gadgets like iPhones and Apple Watches, creams, and liquor bottles in their hand luggage. By focusing on hand baggage, customs officials have increased the chances of detecting illegal items before they can enter or leave the country.

Detection of Gold Smuggling: A Growing Concern

In recent years, gold smuggling has become a significant challenge for customs authorities across Indian airports, and Ahmedabad is no exception. Traditional methods of smuggling gold—such as concealing it within large suitcases—have become less effective due to the new, more thorough baggage screening. As a result, smugglers are now opting to hide gold in smaller, more discreet locations. Handbags have become a common vehicle for smuggling gold, especially in forms like gold paste or gold concealed in compartments of bags. There have even been instances where gold has been found hidden within the screws or wheels of suitcases, making it increasingly difficult for smugglers to bypass detection.

The Role of Customs Officials in Preventing Smuggling

The customs officials at Ahmedabad Airport have become highly skilled in identifying smuggling attempts. They use a combination of technology and their experience to detect even the most cleverly concealed illegal items. The new system allows them to conduct more detailed and efficient screenings, ensuring that nothing escapes their notice. Apart from the regular baggage checks, the staff is also trained to spot unusual patterns in passengers’ behavior that may suggest they are attempting to smuggle goods.

In addition to drugs and gold, customs officers have successfully intercepted a variety of other prohibited items, including luxury gadgets like iPhones and Apple Watches, which are often brought into the country illegally without the proper declaration. Seizing these items not only prevents the evasion of customs duties but also helps maintain fair trade practices.

Banning Luggage in Airport Toilets: A New Rule for Compliance

To further strengthen security measures, a new rule has been implemented at Ahmedabad Airport: passengers are no longer allowed to take their luggage into the airport toilets. This regulation aims to prevent smugglers from hiding illicit items in toilets before passing through customs checks. To enforce this policy, customs officials have stationed constables at key points around the airport to ensure that passengers comply with the new rules. This measure, although seemingly minor, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the screening process and preventing items from being disposed of or concealed before reaching the customs checkpoint.

Managing the Flow of Passengers and Luggage

Ahmedabad Airport handles approximately 20 to 22 international flights every day, with around 6,000 bags passing through security on a daily basis. Given the sheer volume of passengers and their luggage, the efficiency of the new luggage-checking system is critical to maintaining smooth operations. On average, each passenger brings in about two bags, meaning the security process must be fast yet thorough to ensure the safety of all travelers.

The implementation of the new system has led to better coordination between different airport departments. The integration of a centralized control room allows customs and security officials to work in tandem, ensuring that any suspicious activity is detected early and that any bags containing contraband are swiftly confiscated.

Future of Airport Security at Ahmedabad

The success of the new luggage-checking system at Ahmedabad Airport is a testament to the growing efforts of Indian airports to improve passenger safety and curb illegal activities. With the increasing volume of international flights and passengers, it is essential that airports adapt to these challenges and continuously update their security measures. The advanced screening technology at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves as a model for other airports in the country, helping to set new standards for security and efficiency.

In the future, it is likely that even more sophisticated methods will be introduced, such as biometric identification systems, automated baggage scans, and advanced threat detection algorithms. These innovations will not only enhance passenger experience but also provide an extra layer of protection against those attempting to bypass airport security.

India has strengthened the safety protocols at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to include advanced automated luggage screening. This initiative targets the meticulous examination of all luggage—sized from large suitcases to small handbags—to prevent smuggling and to guarantee the safety of the passengers through advanced technology and real-time surveillance.

The modern luggage-checking technology at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is a great achievement in the safety and security of passengers as well as of the country. With the new and improved baggage screening system, detection of contraband items such as gold, drugs and other expensive electronic imports is done with much greater efficiency. The growth of international passenger traffic makes these security initiatives vital in ensuring a risk-free travel experience. The unwavering commitment as demonstrated by the Ahmedabad airport in the adoption of new technology and the enforcement of strict customs procedures is unparalleled.