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Ben Gurion Airport / Getty
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Last Friday and the coming Friday, a trial run of the new bags screening system is taking place at Ben Gurion Airport. When the system becomes operational, the check-in process will be speeded up and simplified. And, of course, the passengers will have much more time to spend at the Duty Free shops.
Anybody who flew abroad last Friday from Ben Gurion Airport (23 flights), had to use the old Terminal 1, instead of the new Terminal 3. This , as part of a large-scale test and run-in of the new bags screening system, that will soon become operational at Ben Gurion Airport
This is how the new system, HBS, using the most advanced technology developed in Israel and abroad, will work when the system becomes operational: The passenger will arrive at terminal 3, will pass security checkup and proceed directly to the check-in counter . His bags will not be screened at the outgoing passengers hall, like today. Instead the bag, after check-in, will pass directly to a special hall being prepared now, where the new screening equipment, using the latest sensors and cameras, will determine at top speed if the bag is kosher, or if it suspected of containing explosives or other forbidden materials. Suspected bags will be passed, of course, for further, strict, tests. The system will be egalitarian to the public, with no difference of religion, race or sex. The whole process will take place without the involvement of the passenger, after he had delivered his bag at the check-in stand.
Ofer Lefler, spokesman of the Airports Authority, adds that the new system will shorten significantly the flight check in process, making it just a part of the “flight waiting experience”, as it is called by the Authority, containing the large parking lots for short and long stay, automatic check –in stands for the passengers, and of course buying at the Duty Free shops.
The Friday tests are used as run-in of the new system, and therefore the flights have been moved to Terminal 1. In the next stages of the operation the system at Ben Gurion Airport, that cost tens of millions of dollars, will become operational.