One week into BIAL opeations, problems persist

Bangalore, May 30 (UNI) One week into the start of operations at the green field Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) has witnessed the daily air traffic movement go up to 400 even as teething problem persists.

It had received overwhelming responses, both positive as well as negative with most passengers agreeing that the project of this magnitude will face initial interruptions.

"This is only a start-up phase. Operating an airport at a first class level is an ongoing process, we will constantly aim to better ourselves in increase efficiency, speed and elevate the passenger experience," Albert Brunner, CEO of Bangalore International airport Ltd (BIAL), the private promoter of the airport said in a release.

Delay in connecting aerobridges to the aircraft, baggage retrieval for arriving aircraft and aircraft push back for departing aircraft had attracted criticism at the swanky airport.

There had been shortage of taxis as the project promoters were not allowing taxis which have not been issued permits. The BIAL had been criticised for ignoring the interests of taxi operators in the old HAL operators as it had permitted only 100 out of 800 taxis that plied in the old airport.

BIAL had entered into agreement with some multinational cab operators and their services remained unsatisfactory.

"Delays in ground handling was caused by shortage of staff and equipment. It was caused due to uncertainties about airport opening date," Brunner claimed.

He said the number of taxis had been increased to 670 and by the end of this week it would become 900 and ease the shortage.

He said immediate action was taken on the complaints of clogged wash rooms. Television sets which are now absent in the terminal building for passenger entertainment would soon be installed, he said.

On the concerns express about lack of security at the airport, Mr Brunner said the number of CISF staff would be increased to 990 from the current 770 within a week.

He said during the first seven days 45 freighter flights operated and 2800 tones of cargo was processed.

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