Many passengers feel that LGBI airport should focus more on expansion of capacity to prevent overcrowding instead of luxurious lounges.
“I’ve had the most horrific experience at the airport. It has only one entry gate for the passengers into the terminal which is manned by only a few security personnel. It always remains crowded as the checking points are manned by very few personnel,” Santosh Bharali, who was en route to Pune, said.
Another passenger complained that similar crowding occurs at the various check points in the airport.
An official at the airport however lamented that there was hardly any scope to expand the current terminal. “In fact, the LGBI airport is staring at an acute crisis of space at least for the next four years. A plan needs to be implemented soon since there are plans to develop the city into an international hub of business,” he said on condition of anonymity.
Sunita Sharma, who frequently travels to Kolkata, drew a comparison between Guwahati and other international airports in the country. “The airport in Guwahati does not have international standards. There is overcrowding and chaos everywhere and passengers have a tough time waiting for the taxis as only one drop-off bay is available for the same,” she said.
Most passengers have made a case for more space, increase of entry and exit points and more personnel manning the gates.
The airport authority however feels that the passengers’ apprehensions are “momentary” as the departure lobby would be streamlined and organised after the ongoing construction is completed.
