Airports in major Indian cities are facing a severe shortage of manpower at immigration counters, creating unnecessary hardship for travellers.
Passengers arriving from international destinations are often forced to stand in long queues for hours, regardless of whether they are Indian citizens or OCI card holders.
At busy airports like Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, only a limited number of counters remain operational even during peak arrival times. This raises serious concerns about planning and accountability.
Immigration is a core government function, yet authorities appear reluctant to hire adequate staff to manage the growing passenger load.
Beyond immigration, the arrival experience remains exhausting and poorly designed. International tourists and returning citizens landing at airports such as Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai often have to walk long distances to reach pickup points.
Shockingly, even business class passengers using chauffeur services are asked to walk hundreds of metres due to parking constraints, especially in Hyderabad.
Despite airports occupying vast stretches of land, there is a glaring absence of efficient multilevel parking systems at many airports that could reduce walking and save energy for passengers and drivers alike.
Equally troubling is the excessive commercialization of airport premises. Arrival areas and parking zones are crowded with restaurants, retail outlets and shopping corridors that serve little real purpose.
Most arriving passengers simply want to exit quickly, while those picking up travellers may need nothing more than a tea or coffee stall. Instead, airports resemble commercial malls, leading to congestion and confusion.
This reflects flawed planning by private airport developers operating under PPP models, who prioritize revenue over passenger comfort.
The situation worsens with aggressive sales tactics at duty free stores. Staff shout offers and encourage passengers to buy more liquor than legally allowed, openly violating rules. Such behavior damages India’s image and undermines the dignity of airport spaces.
The aviation ministry must intervene decisively, regulating staffing, infrastructure design, parking systems, and commercial activity.
Without urgent reforms, Indian airports will remain overcrowded, stressful and unfriendly to tourists and citizens alike.