Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, a major hub for air travel in India, faced significant disruption on the eve of the nation’s 78th Independence Day celebrations. The chaos centered around Terminal 3 (T3) where travelers encountered lengthy delays and frustration due to heightened security measures implemented ahead of the national holiday.
Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss and a prominent investor, shared her experience of being stuck in a security queue for an extended period. She reported being informed by airline staff that the average wait time for security clearance was a staggering 256 minutes, or over four hours. Despite the difficulties, Gupta acknowledged the helpfulness of Air Vistara staff who assisted her in making her flight.
Social media platforms were flooded with posts from passengers expressing their discontent. Videos and pictures captured the serpentine queues and the general disarray at the airport. Many complained about a lack of communication from airlines regarding the delays and the inadequacy of resources to handle the increased passenger volume.
The Delhi Airport Authority acknowledged the concerns and issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating that on-ground officials were working diligently to minimize inconvenience to passengers. The statement emphasized the stepped-up security measures implemented for Independence Day, which were contributing to the extended security clearance times.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by major airports, especially during peak travel periods and when security concerns necessitate enhanced measures. The airport’s statement indicates a commitment to addressing the issues and providing a smoother travel experience for passengers in the future. However, the experiences of passengers at T3 on this occasion highlight the need for effective communication, resource management, and clear passenger guidance during periods of heightened security.
