Measures Aim to Alleviate Passenger Discomfort Amidst Rising Instances of Congestion and Delays
In response to increasing instances of congestion and flight delays causing passengers to be stranded inside aircraft for prolonged periods, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced new guidelines permitting the exit of passengers through airport departure gates. The directive, effective immediately, aims to mitigate the inconvenience faced by passengers during extended flight delays.
Zulfiquar Hasan, Director General of BCAS, announced the issuance of these guidelines on March 30, emphasizing their immediate implementation. The move comes as a relief for passengers, ensuring they are not confined within aircraft for extended durations due to unforeseen delays or emergencies post-boarding.
The guidelines empower airport operators to facilitate the necessary infrastructure, including screening facilities, to implement the directive effectively. However, the decision to deboard passengers during prolonged delays rests with airlines and relevant security agencies.
This initiative follows recent incidents, such as passengers disembarking and having food on the tarmac at Mumbai airport after a diverted flight’s prolonged delay. BCAS had levied fines amounting to Rs 1.80 crore on IndiGo and Mumbai airport operator MIAL in response to the incident.
As domestic air traffic continues to surge, with approximately 3,500 flights taking off daily, congestion at airports remains a pressing concern. BCAS aims to address this issue through various measures, including the deployment of smart security lanes and the introduction of full-body scanners at select airports.
In February, BCAS directed seven scheduled airlines to ensure the timely arrival of baggage at airports following aircraft landings, addressing complaints of baggage delay. These efforts underscore BCAS’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience and security amidst the challenges posed by burgeoning air traffic.
