Ahead of opening of plaza, AAI makes minor modifications to ease boarding of cabs at Chennai airport

In a bid to bring some relief for air passengers, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has modified the cab pick-up arrangement at Chennai airport, allowing passengers to board at the ground floor of the multi-level car parking facility.

Until now, air passengers who arrive at Chennai airport had to walk or take a buggy vehicle to reach the multi-level car parking facility. After reaching the building, they have to use the elevator to reach the second floor of the building to board their cabs.

Such a circuitous arrangement to board a cab drew severe criticism from passengers, and they have been voicing their displeasure consistently over many months now.

While AAI planned to open an alternative cab pick-up point opposite to the T1 domestic terminal (in a renovated covered area called ‘plaza’), this proposal has still not taken off. After more than a year’s delay in the completion of the construction, the plaza has been ready since January, but hasn’t been opened due to legal hurdles.

AAI officials had initially planned to open the plaza by October 2024, but numerous delays marred the project.
| Photo Credit:
VELANKANNI RAJ B

Officials of AAI said that the approval to open this facility is expected to come within two weeks, after which the second cab pick-up point will be available at the plaza for passengers. “Meanwhile, till the approval comes, we want to ease the process of boarding cabs and create this arrangement. Instead of going to the second floor to take a taxi, they can now board from the ground floor,” an official said. There are staff present to direct passengers and help them board cabs as well.

Air passengers said they are glad they no longer need to endure the tiring process anymore to board the cabs, but AAI cannot keep delaying the opening of the plaza.

Ram K., a frequent flyer said, “After getting off the buggy vehicle, I have waited for quite some time to get into the elevator. Though there are a couple of elevators available, the problem is, each one can accommodate only a handful of passengers with large baggage. So, I have ended up waiting for a long time to get into the elevator and reach the second floor. I’m relieved I no longer have to go through this hassle. But I’m also alarmed at the delay in the opening of the second pick-up point. How long can the authorities keep a ready facility without opening it?”