For travelers arriving at Kolkata airport late at night for an early morning flight, an unexpected challenge awaits them – an extended wait outside the airport premises. The predicament extends even during the day for domestic flights, where passengers arriving more than four hours before departure find themselves denied entry by security guards.
Numerous passengers have reported being refused entry, compelled to wait outside the airport, a scenario particularly challenging for those with early morning or late-night flights.
The departure waiting area, housing ticket counters for various airlines, serves as a temporary overnight space for many travelers. However, they are only permitted to enter the area four hours before their flight’s departure time.
Compounding the inconvenience is the absence of food stands and restrooms in the vicinity. Men and women alike must exit the building, descend to the arrival level, and navigate to the restroom facilities.
For passengers with early morning or late-night flights who arrive well in advance, often the night before, gate 3C serves as the only entry point. If this gate is inaccessible, they are left waiting outside the terminal building or exposed to the elements under the open sky.
Sleeping arrangements for the night often involve makeshift beds on rows of chairs until the permitted entry time into the departure terminal.
The closest restroom facility adds another layer of inconvenience, located next to the parking lot on the ground floor. Access requires a trip down the elevator followed by a stroll.
A senior airport official revealed that they have approached the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, requesting permission for travelers to enter the terminal, especially at night, even if they arrive four hours before the flight’s departure. While passengers with valid tickets can freely enter the terminal on the day of their trip, discussions with CISF officers are ongoing to address the predicament during coordination meetings.
