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The Centre's ground handling policy, which was supposed to come into effect at the Kolkata airport from April 1, has been further delayed.
While the airport authorities have issued temporary passes to the existing ground handling agencies, airport officials say that the policy may come into effect in May.
Mr Bijoy Goswami, acting Airport Director, however, told Business Line : “Passes for the present ground handling agencies have been issued till April 7. However, in the case of Air India the passes have been issued till April 30.”
He, however, refused to comment on whether there would be a further extension of these passes.
Currently, there are seven ground handling agencies along with national carrier Air India operating in the Kolkata airport. Passes are issued on a monthly basis by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Passes for the existing agencies have been issued till April 7.
DEADLINE MISSED
This incidentally is the second time this year that the implementation of the ground handling policy – which makes it mandatory for the only national carrier Air India and the airport operator (such as Airports Authority of India, GMR and GVK) to render ground handling services – have been delayed.
The ground handling policy was drawn up to allay security concerns arising out of multiplicity of handlers operating in different airports. The policy was aimed at addressing security concerns in six metro airports of Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The policy is not applicable to Jammu, Amritsar and Kochi airports.
Initially the policy was supposed to come into effect from January 1. Later April 1 was decided as the tentative date. New Delhi-based Bhadra International will take over operations in Kolkata and Chennai airports.
Mr Prem Bajaj, Managing Director, Bhadra International, told Business Line : “We are ready with our equipment and manpower. We will take charge whenever we will be asked to. We are expecting to take charge after April 7.”
PASSING ON THE COST
Industry sources meanwhile argue that having a single ground handing agency could affect the airlines efficiency and push up costs. A single agency will lead to an increase in handling costs which the airlines will later pass on to the passengers.
Mr Bajaj, however, brushed aside these fears.
“Our rates will be competitive. Moreover, Air India is also in operation. So there cannot be an arbitrary increase in costs,” he added.
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