Chennai’s airport has recently made changes affecting both domestic and international travelers. On Monday, the designated pickup location for taxis was moved from the traditional flagpole area to the multi-level car park in the Aerohub West building. This shift has resulted in longer walking distances for passengers, as they now need to navigate to the second or third floors via elevators to board their cabs.Private vehicles are still allowed to pick up passengers from the arrival terminal. Additionally, taxis and cabs will be permitted to pick up passengers with disabilities and senior citizens directly from the arrival terminal. Despite the introduction of 18 battery-operated vehicles to assist passengers from the domestic terminal to the Aerohub building, many travelers were unaware of the new process. Speaking to TOI, a traveler arriving from Dubai described the experience as particularly challenging, as they had to move from the ground floor to higher levels with children, senior family members, and luggage.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that the first elevator available to passengers could only accommodate two people at a time, leading to long queues. While there were additional elevators, there was a lack of staff to direct passengers, as those present were occupied with clamping vehicles that had stopped in the exit bay to help senior citizens.
Another passenger from New Delhi suggested that airport authorities should have provided clearer guidance on using the connecting tunnel from the elevated corridor to reach the new parking area.
What Chennai airport officials said
Airport officials explained that the relocation of the pickup point was intended to consolidate pre-paid taxis and online cabs in a single area to alleviate traffic congestion at the airport exits. Covered ramps have been installed to facilitate passenger movement to the new pickup location. Taxi and cab service counters have been set up on the ground floor of West MLCP near the entrance for bookings and passenger assistance. Dedicated pickup points, routes, and validation booths for crew pickup vehicles have also been established.An elevated, covered walkalator connects T1, T2, and T4 terminals with escalators and lifts leading to the West MLCP ramp level on the city side. Additionally, frequent domestic travelers now use the Metro and suburban trains, with the walkalator linking all terminals to the Airport Metro Station.The newly constructed ramps leading to the MLCP are properly inclined and covered. Work is ongoing to add canopies to small uncovered areas, particularly above construction vehicle crossings and near West MLCP.
Stakeholder meetings involving airlines, the MLCP developer, and the police have been held, and media outreach has begun to inform passengers. Starting from July 29, 2024, all cab aggregators will list only the West MLCP as the pickup location in their apps and will guide passengers accordingly.
Chennai airport said additional staff have been deployed inside and outside the terminals to assist passengers in reaching the West MLCP pickup point.
In a separate development, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed concerns in the Lok Sabha on Thursday regarding high airfares, flight delays, and aviation infrastructure. He reiterated his commitment to making air travel more affordable, acknowledging that airfare rates are determined by market forces.
The minister also reported that approximately 120 of the country’s 800 aircraft are currently grounded due to engine problems. This situation has placed additional strain on the remaining aircraft, contributing to increased ticket prices. However, he highlighted a positive development: India has 1,200 aircraft on order, the highest number globally, and efforts are being made to ensure timely delivery and integration into the fleet. best we can do.”
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