New Delhi - The Civil Aviation Ministry has mandated airlines to ensure that the final piece of luggage reaches the baggage belt within a 30-minute timeframe in response to escalating concerns regarding congestion and delays, particularly at major hubs like Mumbai Airport. The ministry has issued directives aimed at streamlining baggage handling processes and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
The recent directive mandates airlines to adhere to stringent timelines for baggage delivery, stipulating that the last bag must arrive at the baggage belt within a maximum timeframe of 30 minutes following the aircraft's arrival.
This directive follows meticulous monitoring and assessment of baggage arrival times at six key metro airports, conducted by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory body responsible for ensuring security and compliance within the civil aviation sector.
Mumbai Airport has been grappling with excessive slot allocations, resulting in prolonged waiting times for aircraft and passengers. In response to these challenges, the government compelled Mumbai Airport authorities to reduce flight operations, aiming to alleviate congestion and enhance operational efficiency.
Furthermore, BCAS has directed airlines to deploy additional manpower within a specified period of 10 days to expedite baggage handling processes and minimize passenger wait times. This directive underscores the government's commitment to enhancing passenger experience and ensuring adherence to agreed-upon service standards outlined in Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreements (OMDA) signed during the privatization of key airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, in 2006.
BCAS's monitoring efforts have now been expanded to encompass all airports served by airlines, signaling the government's determination to uphold stringent operational standards and improve service quality across the aviation sector. These measures are part of a broader strategy to address congestion, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency within the aviation ecosystem.
In addition to addressing immediate concerns related to baggage handling, BCAS has also introduced international standards for passenger processing times at various touchpoints, including departure entry gates, check-in kiosks, security checks, and immigration counters. These initiatives aim to optimize passenger flow, minimize wait times, and improve overall operational efficiency at airports nationwide.
Despite the challenges posed by burgeoning passenger traffic, the government remains committed to effective capacity planning, with a targeted growth rate of 15% in passenger capacity.