Who Is Responsible for Theft in Aircraft Luggage Compartments? A Case from Pune Airport Sparks Debate

Pune: Incidents of theft from check-in luggage during air travel are raising questions about accountability. Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke has clarified that the airport administration is not responsible for stolen items during air travel. Instead, the responsibility lies with the airline.

This issue came to light after a recent incident involving theft from a passenger’s luggage at Pune Airport.

The Incident

Prasanna Nahar, a 42-year-old resident of Yamunanagar, Nigdi, was traveling from Delhi to Pune on January 12. At Delhi Airport, he handed over his luggage at the airline’s check-in counter. Upon arrival at Pune Airport, Nahar discovered that his bag was tampered with, and ₹1.8 lakh in cash was missing.

Nahar filed a formal complaint at the Pune Airport Police Station, and an investigation is underway.

Accountability Gap

Air travel involves a multi-stage process where luggage is handled by various entities. From check-in at the departure airport to unloading at the destination, multiple points of interaction create opportunities for theft. If theft occurs, passengers often face a dilemma regarding which authority to hold accountable: the airline, the airport security, or the airport authority.

According to aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar, “Ensuring the safety of luggage during air travel is the joint responsibility of the airport administration and airlines. Surveillance cameras at airports record the movement of luggage, and incidents can often be traced back using this footage. However, the ultimate resolution depends on detailed investigations.”

Airport Authority’s Stand

Santosh Dhoke reiterated that the airport administration is not liable for theft incidents that occur during air travel. “The airline is responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of luggage,” he stated.

However, for passengers like Nahar, such statements leave them with unanswered questions about seeking redressal.

This is not the first such incident at Pune Airport. Similar thefts have been reported in the past, including cases during flights to Dubai and Delhi. Despite the presence of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and CCTV surveillance, these incidents continue to occur.

Aviation experts recommend that passengers avoid placing valuable items or cash in checked-in luggage. They also suggest inspecting luggage immediately upon retrieval at the destination airport to detect tampering.

Important Information For Passengers

• Avoid keeping valuables or cash in checked luggage.
• Inspect your luggage promptly upon retrieval.
• Report any irregularities immediately to the airline and airport authorities.