Deliver Passenger Baggage Within 30 Minutes of Landing : BCAS Directs Airlines

In a bid to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India has directed seven major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India Express Connect, and Air India Express, to ensure that the last checked-in baggage is delivered within 30 minutes of arrival. 

The directive, which sets a deadline of February 26, 2024, is aimed at optimizing baggage handling processes and reducing delays.

The BCAS has been monitoring baggage arrival times at six major airports, revealing improvements but falling short of mandated standards outlined in the Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement (OMDA). 

According to OMDA stipulations, the first bag should arrive within 10 minutes of engine shutdown, with the last bag arriving within 30 minutes.

While the directive initially focuses on six major airports, airlines are instructed to implement these measures across all airports where they operate. BCAS’s emphasis on maintaining high-security standards alongside expediting baggage delivery reflects a balanced approach, with the aviation industry closely observing how airlines respond to meet the stringent deadline. 

This initiative aims to strike a balance between efficiency and security protocols in baggage handling.