Passengers permitted to exit through airport departure gates during flight delays, BCAS issues new guidelines

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced new guidelines allowing passengers to exit aircraft through airport departure gates in cases of prolonged flight delays, announced BCAS Director General Zulfiquar Hasan on Monday.

Addressing rising concerns over congestion and flight delays leading to extended periods of confinement for passengers onboard aircraft, BCAS issued the directive to airlines and airport operators on March 30, which has now been implemented.

The move aims to minimize inconvenience for passengers, ensuring they are not confined within aircraft for prolonged durations post-boarding, Hasan emphasized.

Under the new guidelines, passengers facing extended flight delays or emergency situations post-boarding will have the option to disembark through the departure gate of the respective airport.

Hasan emphasized that airport operators are responsible for arranging necessary infrastructure, including screening facilities, to facilitate the implementation of these guidelines. Decisions regarding passenger deboarding will be made jointly by airlines and relevant security agencies.

Domestic air traffic is on the rise and around 3,500 flights take off every day.

The aviation security watchdog will also put in place smart security lanes as part of efforts to ensure better experience for passengers at the airports.

To deal with congestion at airports amid rising air traffic, BCAS and other authorities have taken various steps.

Hasan said the changes due to the measures are visible even as he stressed that “keeping pace with growth is a challenge

The announcement comes amidst BCAS’s efforts to address escalating instances of congestion at airports, which Hasan described as “unwelcome.” The agency has developed optimal standards and tools to mitigate congestion”, he added.

Changes for flight passengers as per the new guidelines:

• Smart security lanes will be put in place to ensure a better experience for passengers at the airports.

• Full-body scanners are likely to be operational at Bangalore airport this month.

• Scanners will also be rolled out at airports having annual passenger traffic of more than 5 million.

• The BCAS also earlier directed seven scheduled airlines to ensure timely arrival of baggage at airports after landing of aircraft.

In a bid to enhance passenger experience, BCAS plans to introduce smart security lanes at airports and anticipates the operationalization of full-body scanners at Bangalore airport this month, with plans for further rollout at airports with over 5 million annual passenger traffic.

In February, BCAS directed seven scheduled airlines to ensure timely baggage arrival following aircraft landings, aiming to address passenger complaints regarding baggage retrieval delays.

Despite challenges posed by the rapid growth in air traffic, BCAS remains committed to implementing measures to alleviate congestion and enhance passenger experience at airports, Hasan affirmed.