Plane truths, ground reality

PLANE TRUTHS, GROUND REALITY
Bangalore Airport faces increased traffic. But its facilities are inadequate.
The Times of India


BANGALORE airport will soon get busier. A local lowcost airline is expected to add 10 flights by next month; four more are waiting to launch theirs by the year-end; an international airline will add three flights per week by October; two more propose to add eight flights between them by the year-end; and some more have evinced a lot of interest. With all this, it looks like the airport authorities have their hands full. But is the airport equipped for the increase? Granted that’s the reason why the airport is being shifted to Devanahalli. But that may take 30 months or more. Till then what do travellers do? The current facilities are quite a sore point with frequent travellers, despite the upgradation in the last two years. Bangalore Times assesses the situation.

CAPACITY

Bangalore stands third in domestic air traffic, and fourth after Chennai in international air traffic. “But in terms of infrastructure, we possess only one-tenth that of Chennai,” says a highly placed officer of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bangalore. As regards domestic traffic, Bangalore is equipped to handle 50 arrivals and 50 departures per day. In reality, there are 72 arrivals and 72 departures per day. As for international flights, it is equipped for one flight arrival and departure per day. But there are five-six arrivals and departures, making it 12 flights daily.

“We operate under severe constraints. And international airlines which wish to operate from here are aware of these. They are trying to fit their arrivals and departures into time slots which will not disrupt those in operation,” say officials.

PASSENGER LOAD


The current capacity in terms of air passenger load is 3.4 million yearly. With more airlines operating from here, the number of flights could go up to 80 (domestic) and 7-8 (international). That would mean a 10 to 15 per cent increase in passengers (3.6 million). And we can handle it for three years, say authorities. “We can even use the domestic terminal for additional international flights when it is free. The Chennai airport has done this. We have also done it during the Haj period. But it means additional manpower and security,” says an official.

SPACE CRUNCH


There are limitations in space inside the airport, and no room for growth. “We have created office space for some airlines opening soon. When more come in, we will accommodate them in minimum space at the airport, but they have to have their other offices outside,” says an official.

CHECK-IN

There aren’t enough counters, say travellers. The authorities say that is not so. “We are evolving systems like Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) whereby all counters can be used irrespective of which airline they belong to. This will be operational in six months,” says an official.

As for screening machines, there are four for handbags and three for registered baggage for domestic travellers. For international travellers there are three for registered baggage, two for handbags. There are 700 trolleys available now and this will be augmented by 300 more.

IMMIGRATION


Sources at immigration say, “We need more infrastructure and staff. A few years ago, the staff was upgraded when there were three-four international flights. Now it’s nearly six. We don’t have adequate space to organise immigration. The space crunch has worsened because of a shop that’s been set up close to immigration. The space was used earlier to accommodate those at customs. Now the queues for both get mixed up.

Thus, a proper vigil is not possible. It also affects tourists’ safety. A dutyfree shop which came up recently adds to the congestion. As it is, travellers complain about the long procedures. It can only get worse, unless the space is reorganised.” Chetan Maini, MD of an automobile company says, “Immigration is getting better, though it’s tough when there are many flights at the same time. But it’s not worse than any other city in India.” About customs, he says, “It’s good; even more efficient than airports at other cities in India.”

CUSTOMS

Says Raghunathan, joint commissioner, Customs, Bangalore Airport, “We will need additional manpower if there’s an increase in flights. We are already working under strain with inadequate personnel. But the issue has already been taken up, and steps are being taken to ensure adequate manpower.”

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES

Authorities say the number of telephone booths is sufficient, since only 5 to 10 per cent use them, most people using their mobiles.
Chetan Maini says, “The Internet facilities are inadequate; there’s only one station at a coffee shop, and you can’t access it even when you are detained.” But the authorities say there’s another set up by a mobile company with wi-fi access.

SEATING

There are 300 chairs and no space for any more. “I have stood sometimes for an hour because there is not enough seating space,” says Mridula M, an educational professional who flies frequently. “It’s bad when there are delays in flights.”

PARKING SPACE

Parking hassles are aplenty. Says M Rajan, a software professional, “It’s difficult to get parking space here, unlike Mumbai or Delhi.” To which the authorities say parking facilities cannot be expanded. “The public must co-operate with us, cars must drop passengers and move on. We have space for 500 cars and 150 two-wheelers. With additional flights, this may go up to 100-150 cars, but there is no room for these cars.”