Teething problems persist at BIA

Bangalore, May 30 (UNI) Witnessing daily air traffic movement up to 400 within of commencement of operations at the green field Bangaluru International Airport (BIA), many teething problems remain unsolved.

BIA 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 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 were not issued permits. The BIAL had been criticised for ignoring the interests of taxi operators in the old HAL airport, 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 is caused by shortage of staff and equipment. Its due to the uncertainties about airport opening date,'' Mr Brunner claimed.

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

Stating that immediate action was taken on the complaints of clogged washrooms, he said television sets which were now absent in the terminal building would soon be installed.

On concerns 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 freight flights operated and 2,800 tones of cargo was processed.

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