Minister rushes to Delhi airport for surprise check as flyers stuck in long queues

After social media was flooded with complaints from air passengers stuck in long queues at Delhi airport, Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia reached the airport for a surprise check today along with senior ministry officials.

The minister made enquiries with airport authority officials and security personnel over the delay in the checking-in at various counters.

Passengers had to suffer long delays at the Delhi airport on Sunday and shared pictures on social media of the crowd at Terminal 3 (T3) of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

In response to a tweet by a passenger, Delhi airport had said that it has deployed officials on the ground to assist the passengers and minimise any inconvenience.

While complaining about the long queues, the passenger said there is a need for new terminals.

“Please be assured that passenger experience is paramount for us, and we always strive to enhance our flyers experience. Also, we have duly noted the remarks and have shared it with the concerned agency. Further, you may also share your direct feedback with CISF headquarters…,” Delhi airport had said in the tweet.

The airport authorities had earlier said that as part of the plan to decongest the airport, X-ray screening systems will be enhanced, the reserve lounge will be demolished and one Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) machine and two standard X-ray machines will be installed. Two entry points – Gate 1A and Gate 8B – will also be converted for passenger use, and to de-bunch flights, airlines will work progressively to reduce peak hour departures.