Indian regulatory authorities instruct airlines to ensure baggage delivery within 30 minutes of arrival

India has instructed seven major airlines in the country to ensure that passengers receive their baggage within 30 minutes of arrival. The civilian aviation ministry, in a statement issued on February 16, stated, “Airlines need to ensure that delivery of the last baggage is made within 30 minutes,” emphasizing adherence to guidelines outlined in the Service Quality Requirements of Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) directed airlines, including Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo, to implement necessary measures following a detailed analysis of baggage delivery times across 3,600 flights at six major Indian airports. Despite improvements, the ministry highlighted that the current delivery times still fall short of the mandated requirements. According to the mandate, the first baggage should arrive at the baggage belt “within 10 minutes of shutting off the aircraft engine, and the last bag within 30 minutes of the same.”

The ministry issued a final warning, stating, “If an airline continues to delay the process of delivering baggage, the ministry will be forced to take action against it,” indicating potential regulatory consequences for non-compliance. This directive is part of ongoing efforts to address airport congestion issues in India, especially following disruptions at New Delhi and Mumbai airports in December 2022. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has been actively engaging with airport operators and airlines to mitigate congestion challenges.

Aviation 360