BCAS demands faster baggage delivery from Airlines

Monday, February 19, 2024

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has recently communicated with seven leading airlines in India, which include Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India Express Connect, and Air India Express.

The message conveyed was a call for these airlines to improve their baggage delivery systems at airports. This appeal was made following a period of observation regarding the time it takes for passengers’ baggage to arrive, which highlighted instances where the waiting times exceeded the acceptable limits.

Under the guidelines established by the Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement (OMDA), it has become a requirement for these airlines to ensure the delivery of the last piece of checked-in luggage to passengers within 30 minutes of their plane’s arrival. To comply with these newly emphasized standards, the BCAS has given the airlines a timeframe until February 26, allowing them a span of 10 days to make the necessary adjustments to their operations.

This initiative by the BCAS began in January 2024 with a project aimed at meticulously observing the timings of luggage arrival at the conveyor belts in six of the country’s major airports. Despite noting some improvements, the evaluation revealed that the performance levels were still not meeting the expectations set out in the OMDA. According to these guidelines, the first piece of luggage should be made available at the conveyor belt within 10 minutes following the aircraft’s engine shutdown, and the final piece within 30 minutes.

Although the current focus of this monitoring exercise is on six major airports, the BCAS has highlighted the importance of adhering to these delivery times at all airports where these airlines operate. This directive underlines the crucial role that efficient baggage handling plays in enhancing passenger satisfaction and aligning with the industry’s benchmarks and standards.

This directive from the BCAS is expected to have a significant impact on tourism by improving the overall travel experience at Indian airports. By enforcing stricter baggage delivery times, airlines are encouraged to optimize their baggage handling processes, potentially reducing the stress and inconvenience faced by travellers due to delayed luggage.

Efficient baggage handling is crucial for maintaining high levels of passenger satisfaction, which in turn, can positively influence the decision of tourists to choose India as a destination. This initiative is likely to contribute to a smoother, more efficient airport experience, foster a positive image of Indian aviation, and encourage more visitors to the country.

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