Indian Airlines' New Rule: 30-Minute Baggage Clearance for Passengers

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has embarked on a decisive initiative to streamline baggage handling procedures among major airlines in India.

On February 16, 2024, BCAS dispatched letters to seven prominent airlines - Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India Express Connect, and Air India Express - urging them to implement necessary measures ensuring the punctual delivery of baggage.

The BCAS conducted an extensive survey encompassing the nation's six major airports, meticulously scrutinizing the operations of the seven airlines and analyzing over 3600 flight movements, including their baggage delivery processes. According to regulations, "airlines are mandated to ensure the delivery of passengers' baggage within a timeframe of 10 to 30 minutes following the aircraft's engine shutdown."

The directive addresses concerns over the punctuality of baggage delivery, with complaints reported through social media and other channels indicating passengers experiencing delays in baggage delivery after landing at the airport. These issues are outlined in the Service Quality Requirements of Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement (OMDA).

Initiated by the Aviation Ministry under the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia, BCAS conducted a rigorous monitoring exercise in January 2024. This exercise focuses on tracking the time taken for baggage to reach designated belts in six major airports across the country.

While there has been observable improvement since the commencement of the review, none of the airlines consistently met the prescribed standards. The OMDA specifies that the initial baggage should reach the conveyor belt within 10 minutes of the engine shutdown, underscoring the necessity for swift handling and delivery.

Presently concentrated on six major airports, monitoring efforts are set to expand as BCAS directs airlines to extend compliance measures to all airports within their operational purview. This broader approach aims to ensure uniformity and adherence to mandated service levels across the aviation sector.

BCAS has mandated a 10-day deadline for airlines to implement the required measures, with a target date of February 26, 2024. Failure to comply may result in further regulatory action, according to a statement from an official at the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

This move by BCAS emphasizes the paramount importance of enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency within the aviation industry. By prioritizing timely baggage delivery, airlines can elevate customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service excellence.