Bahrain, Jul 9 (Gulf Daily News): FULL-BODY scanners are not in the pipeline for Bahrain International Airport, officials declared yesterday.

But top priority is being given to safety and security, said the Bahrain Airport Company.

"Bahrain Airport Company is not currently considering installing body scanners at Bahrain International Airport," it said in a statement.

"Nonetheless, Bahrain Airport Company is committed to maintaining the highest standard of safety and security for all Bahrain International Airport users, by adopting the latest and best techniques and technologies available, in co-ordination with the relevant authorities.

The latest advancement at the airport has been the installation of a multi-level screening system which has allowed the traditional luggage scanners before check-in to be removed.

"We will always protect and respect the kingdom's values, ethics and the airport users' rights when applying any further advancement in security measures as we pursue the expansion and development of Bahrain International Airport."

It issued the statement to clarify a report in yesterday's GDN.

Dubai has already ruled out introducing full-body scanners, saying they contradict Islam and restrict the privacy and personal freedom of passengers.

Full body scanners have already been deployed in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Italy, among other countries. More than 1,000 full-body scanners are due to be operational in US airports by the end of next year, according to reports.

Some countries, such as the Netherlands and the UK, are attempting to further address privacy concerns by digitally blurring the images of passengers' faces while other countries store passengers' images for only 24 hours before deleting them.

New and enhanced security measures became operational at Bahrain International Airport in April after devices capable of scanning airline passengers' baggage for explosives were introduced.

The country became only the second in the Gulf to introduce special machines which now enable 3,000 pieces of baggage to be handled an hour and have eliminated the need for conventional X-ray machines.

The new screening system uses advanced security technology and processes, meaning luggage can go through up to five levels of checks to ensure no prohibited items are brought aboard an aircraft.