Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangalore
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Mangalore, Oct 4: Chaos erupted at Mangalore International Airport, as there was a delay in the arrival of luggage from Doha and Dubai on the night of Friday October 3. Though passengers landed safely, the luggage did not arrived.
Passengers from Dubai and Doha-Bahrain were seen in confrontation with AI express officials at the airport. It is learnt that during the peak seasons, especially Eid, Christmas and other special holidays, whenever people come for holidays, such chaos is common.
A passenger from Doha who spoke to daijiworld.com said, "I have come here for five days as we got have a week of holiday for Eid in Doha. We came with lots of plans and happiness but Air India Express has spoilt our mood as none of the seven bags have arrived."
"Now AI Express officials are assuring us that the luggage will arrive in the next flight which is on Monday October 6 morning. What should we do until then? Some people who were in the flight are returning on Monday; so who will collect their luggage when it arrives," questioned a passenger.
"We know it is not the fault of the Mangalore airport staff, but there is no option for us than to fight with them for the right information and quicker delivery of luggage," the passenger said.
According to the sources, at least 100 bags from Doha and 150 from Dubai have landed short in Mangalore.
When daijiworld contacted AI Express in Mangalore, a senior official said, "It is true that the baggage from the Dubai and Doha bound flights have not arrived. We cannot be fully blamed for such a situation as we are trying to accommodate many passengers on board, since we do not want to spoil holiday plans of the Mangalore-bound passengers. It is purely because of load balance that the luggage was shut-out at the airport. This inconvenience has been taking place in Dubai from the past three days. We are putting in all our efforts to bring the luggage in next flight. Unfortunately, the next flight from Doha is only on Monday, hence we are helpless."
"International baggage cannot carried in domestic flights and so we cannot make alternate arrangements of bringing luggage from Doha via Mumbai. But from Dubai, we are making arrangements to bring the luggage in the immediate next flight," he added.
Daijiworld has reliable information that when there is passenger load of around 150-160, the baggage will also arrive, but when the flight takes a full capacity of 186 passengers, for the purpose of balance, few bags will be kept pending at the airport of origin itself.
AI Express, senior official said, "These days, AI Express allows 10 kg extra luggage at a nominal price, so the load balance on the flight is difficult. Luggage on the flight is less for safety and security reasons. These days there are discount sales in Dubai Duty Free, so each passenger is seen carrying three to four heavy bags. Many airlines do not allow passengers more than one carry bag on board, but AI does not restrict it."
"This is a crucial period for us as we have to accommodate all passengers including the luggage; this is not an easy task. We request passengers to understand the limitations and restrictions on luggage during short holidays, so both parties will find it convenient at the arrival point," he continued.
"Nevertheless, AI Express put in full efforts to make passengers fell," the official concluded.
Boarding pass without seat number on Doha flight:
Couple of passengers have reacted sharply on AI Express' practice in Doha of issuing boarding passes without seat numbers. "We feel like we are travelling in city buses as the staff in Doha ask us to sit where ever seats are available. This is pathetic and ridiculous. Air India must react soon on this issue; it is a shame that though being an international flight, AI Express cannot designate seats for passengers," a passenger said.
"Hope this practice will be put to an end; we have lots of hope on the new regional Air India Express manager Melwin D'Silva," said Abdul Razak, a passenger from Doha.