Airlines not happy with airports revamp

Even as the companies modernising Delhi and Mumbai airports have pumped in funds to spruce up consumer amenities at airport terminals, efforts undertaken to improve landing and take-off timings have not seen the desired results.

According to airlines, although there is a marginal improvement in the waiting period for landings and take-offs in the two airports, it is nowhere near the desired levels.

Airlines pointed out that the on-air and ground waiting period has, on an average, come down to about 25 minutes against 45 minutes about four months back.

However, work is going on at a fast pace on the terminal front. The GMR-led development consortium for the Delhi airport has issued contracts worth Rs 200 crore to improve facilities at the airport. The GVK-led consortium "" developing the Mumbai airport "" claims it has taken steps to improve passenger amenities.

However, users of Mumbai airport have a different story to tell post-privatisation. The cost of airport infrastructure is set to skyrocket with private operators in command. Also, there has been no respite in congestion in any areas of the airport since private management took over and decision making was slow, they said.

"The cost of check-in counters for airlines at Mumbai airport is going to increase around five times to Rs 30,000 per month from the current Rs 6,500. At present, reallocation of check-in counters have not been done till now, despite several counters lying idle in the I-B building," an airline executive said.

To immediately improve the customer and traveller experience and create good amenities, the company has taken steps to ensure better seating, flooring and lighting.

On the security side, additional X-ray machines have been installed for faster security checks for passengers in both the airports.

At the Delhi airport, as an interim step to improve the movement of aircraft, new rapid exit taxiways have been opened. In addition, both the runways at the airport have been operationalised during peak hours, and they will soon be operational for 24 hours.

Sources in the Mumbai airport said congestion had increased in areas like airside, baggage pick-up area, ground handling side, engineering and maintenance area.

"Things have not improved with privatisation. New X-ray screening machines are also blocking smooth operations. Moreover, there is no co-ordination among private authorities and till now, no joint meeting with airlines has taken place," the sources said.

They said the newly-recruited managers, who were supposed to handle airport operations, did not have an aviation background.

The only positive things, according to airport users, are that the new management is focusing on cleanliness of airport premises, including toilets. Also, the traffic outside the arrival and departure area has been cleared through strict monitoring.

When contacted, Airport Director RJ Treasuryvala said the change could not be made overnight. He added that action plans were getting implemented and gradually airport users will start feeling the change.