Lay down norms for number of aerobridges at all airports: Amit Shah to civil aviation ministry

On July 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation to set norms for the number of aerobridges at all airports based on passenger traffic and air traffic. An aerobridge is described as an enclosed, movable tunnel that links terminals directly to aircraft, helping passengers board without walking on the tarmac or facing weather exposure. Shah delivered the instruction during a meeting he chaired with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, focused on passenger facilities, security arrangements, and immigration systems at major airports. He also ordered phased installation of an Automated X-ray Tray Return System (ATRS) to reduce human resource costs, and directed that a comprehensive framework be developed to manage passenger flow across entry lanes, check-in, security screening, and immigration counters. The plan prioritizes development of 21 airports under construction and 41 additional airports, with work on all 62 airports targeted for completion within two years, following BCAS security standards. He further said baggage drop facilities at 16 major airports should expand to other international airports with high passenger traffic.