The Nagpur airport modernisation was not limited to creation of larger car parks and more check-in counters and security hold area. Now, in
a move that will ensure convenience for air passengers, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International airport in city will have two new aerobridges by the end of June.
The aerobridges would enable passengers to directly access the aircraft from the main terminal building and vice-versa, Sharad Kumar, deputy general manager (engineering) of Airports Authority of India (AAI), told TOI.
Kumar said, “Civil works for the aerobridge facility are in progress and the AAI headquarters in New Delhi has ordered two new imported passenger boarding bridges.” The Nagpur airport is expected to receive these bridges by May and they will become operational by the end of June,” he added.
Recently, a team of an Indonesian firm which will supply aerobridges to Nagpur and has done so for other airports conducted a survey at Nagpur airport.
“For the first six months, the Indonesian engineers will handle operations of aerobridges at Nagpur and will also train AAI staff members. Later on, our staffers would handle everything, right from maintenance to operations etc,” Kumar added.
Aerobridges are now a regular feature of international airports around the world and will ensure hassle-free embarking and disembarking from the aircraft. The passengers need not go outside for boarding, as the aerobridge will connect the aircraft and the terminal building.
The aerobridges will be of great help to disabled passengers as their immobility may prevent them from using stairs. “In such circumstances, they have to be helped by the staff, which might delay the boarding process in turn leading to possible flight delays,” Kumar added.
Abhay Gokhale, a frequent flier said,” The fully covered structure means that passengers will also be protected from inclement weather. Passengers get drenched at least partly during rainy seasons where stairs are used for boarding despite the canopy provided over the stairs.”