“BCAS Directs Airlines to Achieve 30-Minute Baggage Delivery Post-Landing”
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the security arm of the Civil Aviation Ministry, has issued a directive to airlines, urging them to guarantee the prompt delivery of passengers’ checked-in luggage within 30 minutes of their arrival. This measure, set to be implemented by February 26, comes in a bid to mitigate congestion at airports and enhance security measures.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the security arm of the Civil Aviation Ministry, has issued a directive to airlines, urging them to guarantee the prompt delivery of passengers’ checked-in luggage within 30 minutes of their arrival. This measure, set to be implemented by February 26, comes in a bid to mitigate congestion at airports and enhance security measures.
BCAS, after scrutinizing the time taken by each airline to deliver baggage to conveyor belts, highlighted discrepancies in adherence to regulations in a letter dated February 16. Airlines have been instructed to ensure that the last bag reaches passengers within 30 minutes in accordance with the Service Quality Requirements of Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement (OMDA). The deadline for implementing necessary measures has been set for February 26, 2024.
An official familiar with the matter disclosed that BCAS has been monitoring the time taken by airlines to clear passengers from arrival halls at six major airports since January. These airports include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai.
According to mandates, the first baggage should arrive at the belt within 10 minutes of the aircraft engine shutdown, while the last bag should be delivered within 30 minutes thereafter.
BCAS has dispatched letters to seven airlines, namely Air India, Indigo, Akasa, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India Express Connect, and Air India Express, urging them to enforce measures to ensure timely baggage delivery as per OMDA requirements. Failure to comply may result in regulatory action, warned an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Airport congestion has been a persistent issue at major Indian airports. In response, the government has been proactive in implementing measures to alleviate congestion, especially since a surge in passenger footfall in December 2022, which led to flight disruptions.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has been actively engaged in discussions with airports, airlines, and stakeholders to address congestion issues. Strategic improvements such as increasing departure gates, adopting new technologies for expedited security clearance, and enhancing manpower have been pursued. Additionally, the removal of certain lounges and commercial areas at airports has been undertaken to facilitate smoother passenger movements.
“The move to ensure timely baggage delivery will expedite passenger clearance, thus creating space for incoming travelers and bolstering airport security,” noted a government official.
While airline performance has shown improvement, it has not consistently met mandated levels. BCAS has directed airlines to achieve compliance across all airports they operate in.
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience and ensuring robust security measures within the aviation sector.
Sources By Agencies
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