Chennai Airport Bans Two-Wheelers, Sparking Commuter Outrage

In a move that has sparked considerable inconvenience for the public, Chennai Airport has reportedly banned two-wheelers from entering its premises.

On Tuesday morning, parking staff at the airport informed all two-wheeler riders that motorcycles and scooters would no longer be allowed on the premises, as per a report in DTNext.

Witnesses said that the staff were rude, adding to the discomfort of travelers and airport employees who rely on bikes for commuting. Passengers were directed to park their two-wheelers at the Metro rail parking lot or near the airport administration office, which is often overcrowded during peak hours.

According to the new directive, only Airport Authority of India (AAI) staff, police, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel are permitted to park in the Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facility. This has created considerable inconvenience for contract laborers and other visitors who wish to pick up or drop off friends and family at the airport.

Travelers have voiced their concerns over the policy, stating that it is unreasonable for an international airport to restrict two-wheelers. Some have likened the behavior of the parking staff to that of law enforcement, claiming they were treated disrespectfully while trying to access the airport. Many recall a similar ban on auto-rickshaws eight years ago, which also disproportionately affected middle-class families.

Meanwhile, a Dubai-bound Emirates flight, carrying 280 passengers, was delayed late Tuesday night after smoke was spotted emanating from the wing portion of the aircraft just before takeoff. The incident occurred at 9:15 pm, causing anxiety among passengers and airport personnel alike.

Flight EK547, operated by a Boeing 777-300 (registration A6-ECZ), was in the process of being refueled when the smoke was detected. Airport officials were immediately alerted by the flight crew, prompting an emergency response. Fire tenders swiftly arrived on the scene, and technical experts were called in to inspect the plane.