escape-the-wait-bcas-issues-new-rules-frees-passengers-via-airport-departure-gates

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced new guidelines permitting the exit of passengers from an aircraft through an airport departure gate in the event of prolonged flight delays after boarding.

 

In response to the escalating instances of congestion and flight delays, resulting in passengers being confined inside aircraft for extended durations post-boarding, BCAS Director General Zulfiquar Hasan announced the issuance of these guidelines.

 

They were conveyed to airlines and airport operators on March 30 and have since come into effect.

 

Hasan highlighted that these guidelines aim to alleviate the inconvenience faced by passengers, ensuring they need not endure prolonged stays inside aircraft after boarding. In situations of considerable flight delays or emergencies post-boarding, passengers will now be allowed to disembark through the departure gate of the respective airport.

 

Airport operators are tasked with making necessary arrangements, including screening facilities, to implement these guidelines. However, decisions regarding passenger deboarding will remain under the purview of airlines and relevant security agencies.

 

This announcement was made during the commemoration of the 38th Raising Day of the BCAS.

 

Previously, on January 17, BCAS imposed fines amounting to Rs 1.80 crore on IndiGo and Mumbai airport operator MIAL following an incident where passengers disembarked from an IndiGo flight at Mumbai airport, sat on the tarmac, and even had food there due to a prolonged delay.

 

Recognizing the surge in domestic air traffic, which now sees approximately 3,500 flights departing daily, Hasan acknowledged that airport congestion is undesirable. BCAS has developed optimal standards and tools to address this issue, including the implementation of smart security lanes to enhance passenger experience.

 

Efforts are underway to introduce full-body scanners at Bangalore airport this month, with plans to extend them to airports with annual passenger traffic exceeding 5 million.

 

In February, BCAS directed seven scheduled airlines to ensure prompt arrival of baggage after landing, following complaints of baggage retrieval delays.