IGI Airport !!!

[mhr123]

The Lamba family five-hour ordeal Toronto resident Gagan Lamba (34) had come on a visit to India with wife Naunidhi (32) to celebrate their daughter Sifty’s first birthday. They managed to catch their flight but the experience was traumatic. They don’t want to come back for two years — till their daughter grows up a little and the IGI Airport is renovated. February 28, 2007 10.05 pm The Lamba family reached IGI Airport to catch their Air France flight with sufficient three-and-a-half hours in hand. It took some time to unload their baggage and find a trolley. '...the joke was Indians are reaching late globally because IGIA is under renovation’“The crowd at the entry was huge and I didn’t see such a long queue six months ago when I last visited,†Naunidhi said. “We were confused about which gate to queue at and finally got in the queue from Gate-I. We were pushed around. I requested the guards to let us in because we had a one-year-old baby. World over they have shorter queues for passengers traveling with babies. But here, the guard shouted at me, calling me stupid because I traveling with a small baby,†she said. 10.54 pm The Lamba’s had four extra bags and getting them screened took some time at the X-ray machines. 11.26 pm Checking-in at the airline counter was the easiest part of the journey for Lamba’s. “This counter was being managed by Air France staff and the process was smooth,†Naunidhi said. 11.42 pm The biggest bottleneck awaited them at the immigration counters. “By this time Sifty was feeling sick and crying uncontrollably. It was hot and chaotic. We were tense as the departure time was approaching and there wasn’t enough to time to even change Sifty’s diapers,†she said. 12.50 am By this time the Lamba’s had hit the panic button as the departure time of 1.30 am was approaching. “The security check also took a lot of time and we were running to reach the boarding point. Gagan and I were out of breath,†she said. 1.20 am The Lamba’s managed to reach the boarding point just in time. “After we finally reached the security hold, it turned out the flight was delayed by two hours as most passengers had failed to make it in time. We heard a passenger had fainted while waiting at a counter,†Gagan said. “For three and half hours, we were completely out of our wits. It felt like we had just played a rugby match,†Gagan said. “On board, the biggest joke was that Indians passengers are reaching late globally because IGIA is under renovation,†she said. 3.30 am The plane finally took off. “Passengers were entering the aircraft till the last minute. Almost everyone was puffing and panting,†said Gagan. “Even Toronto airport was renovated sometime back but we never faced any inconvenience,†Naunidhi said. “During our visit we took a train to Amritsar. It was a so much more comfortable and smoother.†Sanjay kumar two-day ordeal Sanjay Kumar is a 38-year-old technician based in Hagen, Germany. On a visit to Delhi, he missed his flight to Paris on February 27 because the airline counter was shut by the time he cleared the queues. From Paris, he would have taken a connecting flight to Dusseldorf. February 27, 2007 10.45 pm Kumar reaches airport. “I was quite confident about boarding my Paris flight at 1.20 am,†Kumar said. 12.30 am Kumar manages to enter airport. 1.15 am Kumar reaches check-in counter. But it’s too late. He misses flight. Feb 29 Kumar finally got a flight on February 29 for Paris. This time, he reached IGIA at 9 pm sharp and was able to make it. Komal Kaushik three-hour ordeal On February 28, the Hindustan Times team found Komal Kaushik, an NRI, coming out of Gate 1 of IGIA’s departure terminal. February 28, 2007 9 pm Kaushik enters airport. 11.55 pm The time his flight was to depart. “By the time I reached the airline counter, it was closed,†Kaushik said. On a visit to India, Kaushik was accompanied by his wife and two young children. Kaushik said there wasn’t enough space inside to even stand properly. He has no plans yet on when to book flights again.

[Gambit]

February 27, 2007 10.45 pm Kumar reaches airport. “I was quite confident about boarding my Paris flight at 1.20 am,” Kumar said. 12.30 am Kumar manages to enter airport.

Wow. One and a half hours just to get inside the airport? I've used IGI a million times but never had to wait THAT long.

[coffee_rules]

Some people complain too much. I've had worse delays in Paris and London from the support staff being unresponsive. These are the same people who come to India and at the first chance drive their cars irresponsibly, spit on the street, cut the lines...but be a very well mannered citizen abroad. If India is so horrible, do all Indians a favor. Please don't go back. Nobody is holding a gun to your head to go back.

[suma25]

Some people complain too much. I've had worse delays in Paris and London from the support staff being unresponsive. These are the same people who come to India and at the first chance drive their cars irresponsibly' date= spit on the street, cut the lines...but be a very well mannered citizen abroad.

:haha:that is so true

[Predator_05]

IGI is a f ucking nightmare. I last flew through it back in Feb of '06, and it was quite an awful experience. The staff are rude as hell, the baggage handlers are fat scumbags who toss your luggage around like they own it and the queues are long enough to last an eternity. I dread the day i have to fly through IGI. Foreigners usually go insane - i lost count of the number of times i saw some foreigners arguing with the flight desk staff. It's obvious that IGI can't handle the amount of air-traffic it gets these days, being the pint-sized airport that it is. I have flown through it many times in my life, and every time it just gets worse. They should just reopen Palam to international flights and save passengers some grief. And after reading an article i was directed to recently, i know that other Indian airports are no better;

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Fear_of_Flying/articleshow/2843464.cms Reports about appalling passenger handling at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport speak volumes about the efficiency of our airport authorities. Airport infrastructure is so poor in the capital, hat one has to reach the airport at least four hours in advance in order to take a flight. The modernising work initiated at several airports across the country seems only to have made matters worse. Passengers have to face the brunt of bad approach roads, lengthy queues for baggage checking as well as security inspection and also extensive waiting time to board flights.Delhi airport was recently listed among the world's worst five airports by Foreign Policy magazine. The thought of flying out of one of our major airports gives passengers anxiety attacks. Renovation projects at many airports are running severely behind schedule, adding to existing chaos. Work at the Mumbai airport is likely to be delayed by nearly two years. Delays add to congestion. Authorities have made little effort to put in place substitute arrangements while repair work at the airports is on. Even if there are alternate options available, few people seem aware of them because of lack of clear indicators. Airport and immigration staffs are inadequately trained. Air traffic in India has increased phenomenally - to 90.44 million last year from 67.95 million in the previous year. Mumbai airport itself handles over 600 airplanes a day. They may spend as long as 45 minutes circling in the air before getting landing slots. Such delays, which are a common phenomenon across the country, cause wastage of time and precious fuel. Airport services like air traffic control and baggage handling systems are antiquated. There is need for expanding immigration and emigration counters at international airports in order to reduce the waiting time for passengers. Terminal capacities at major airports need to be urgently upgraded. Despite passenger traffic being twice the present capacity of the airport, an additional terminal at Delhi airport lies ridiculously unused except during the Haj season. This terminal should be made available immediately and thankfully the proposal is under consideration. As suggested by a parliamentary committee, the existing airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad should continue to be commercially operational even after new airports are opened. There are 454 airports and airstrips in India including abandoned and unused ones. The government should refurbish them and also enable smaller airports to handle international flights. Expenses for operating from small cities - like airport fees - are much lower compared to the metros though connectivity between neighbouring airports needs to be improved. This will not only reduce the strain on big airports but will make air travel affordable to scores of Indians. Air travel is expanding. Our planning for infrastructure expansion is woefully poor for a country that has rising global aspirations.

[beetle]

>>>The biggest bottleneck awaited them at the immigration counters. “By this time Sifty was feeling sick and crying uncontrollably. It was hot and chaotic. We were tense as the departure time was approaching and there wasn’t enough to time to even change Sifty’s diapers,” she said. What kind of stupid name is that....? I bet the poor child will have a lot to complain to when he/she grows up!:thumpdown:

[suraj]

Some people complain too much. I've had worse delays in Paris and London from the support staff being unresponsive. These are the same people who come to India and at the first chance drive their cars irresponsibly, spit on the street, cut the lines...but be a very well mannered citizen abroad. If India is so horrible, do all Indians a favor. Please don't go back. Nobody is holding a gun to your head to go back.

Coffee I know that some ppl are chronic complainers but trust me IGI is pretty bad and it is a nightmare on a bad day to get through you try to be patient and on an average day its not the best but you can still get by; on a bad day you just keep wishing you had never made the trip I really hope that IGI is upgraded because there is no excuse for the first vision to a thriving economy & a premier country India to be in this shape

[Mandrake]

Bangalore and H'bad are all set to get spanking new international airports, all other airports need upgrade. In general our airport infrastructure is pathetic to put it mildly.

[living]

Delhi sucks man ... seriously. The gap between Mumbai and Delhi is facking huge now!

[Desi Cartman]

Here are the problems that I see or have experienced at the IGI Airport * No safe way to carry luggage to the departure gate from parking. So everybody gets dropped at the gate causing traffic jams * The security staff is corrupt, it has improved a little in last 3-4 years though. Once a guard asked me to give him some brufen as I had some in my pocket.. The other time my friend was asked to share lollies. They aren't asking cash bribes anymore I guess * toilets are horrible * too much staff just walking around and not doing anything * Arrival immigration counter is next to a toilet that has been leaking for last 8 years at least . It stinks and floods the surrounding area at times. * Power failures : Once I had to wait for 3 hrs just get my luggage as there was a power failure but wait the power failure was not for the entire airport but just for 3 conveyor belts. It was great to see the IGI staff walk around and not bothering to move the luggage to another available conveyor belt. * I have seen foreigners being charged Rs 200 for a bottle of water but when I asked why are you charging so much he said " its Americans just $5 for them " . Actuall price Rs45 * Taxi drivers go wild when they spot a tourist * No footpaths anywhere around the airport * and the stink of phenyl as soon as u land Couple of years ago I was stuck in the security queue for more than 2 hrs but since I had already checked in , I didn’t care. The airlines staff came looking for us and had to delay the flight. I never compared the IGI to another airport but once @ Melbourne airport while I was waiting to board the flight I participated in a survey about the Melbourne airport. I was asked to rate it 1-5 against my home airport …Melbourne airport got 5/5 for each question. Having said that I have seen some positive changes in the last few years and hopefully after privatization it will be much better

[fineleg]

Which is the best few airports you folks have seen?

[Desi Cartman]

Which is the best few airports you folks have seen?

hong Kong Singapore Malaysia to name a few All these asaian airports are flashy ... where as European and American airports are older and dont look as flashy Even San Juan (puerto rico ) was better than any Indian airport I have been to

[Predator_05]

Pretty comprehensive summary, DD. Taxi drivers/agents have become much more desperate. They are now courting Indians too, not just foreigners. Of course, whenever they see a foreigner they really go nuts but their ch.uthiyapanthi isn't just restricted to foreigners anymore.

[Predator_05]

Which is the best few airports you folks have seen?

Changi in Singapore is fantastic. I flew through their brand new Terminal 3 this January as i was heading home, it was excellent. Great architecture, top notch facilities and even though it's big, you can get around really easily. Even Changi's budget terminal p isses all over IGI, forget T1, T2, T3. The best airport i've ever seen. Schiphol in Holland is a really good one too. And for it's size and the amount of traffic it services on a daily basis, JFK is pretty decent. Easy to navigate through the 8 terminals and i've never had any problems with the service or the staff. The eateries/shops are alright. The worst airport i've flown through in the USA is definitely Miami...what a sh ithole. But still far better than IGI

[Desi Cartman]

Pretty comprehensive summary, DD. Taxi drivers/agents have become much more desperate. They are now courting Indians too, not just foreigners. Of course, whenever they see a foreigner they really go nuts but their ch.uthiyapanthi isn't just restricted to foreigners anymore.

and to be honest they cant be blamed. These are just poor drivers desperate to make a living but what the heck is security doing ? why cant the police keep them at a distance. Why is there no proper taxi rank ... I dont mind paying another Rs200 everytime I visit delhi airport if they can fix some of the basic stuff. There is a reason why it becomes so difficult to get a ticket to Delhi around nov-jan. The Airports can not accommodate more flights. It’s a shame that Qantas doesn’t even want to fly there as the IGI airport doesn’t have the equipment that helps the plane land in bad weather. There are airlines queuing outside the IGI office to get more flights but sadly IGI can not support any additional flights. With growing international business, tourism and the number of NRIs I hope they fix all these problems soon.

[Desi Cartman]

and the Asoka bar and restaurant in the international terminal looks more like a roadside dhaba !

[fineleg]

hong Kong Singapore Malaysia to name a few All these asaian airports are flashy ... where as European and American airports are older and dont look as flashy Even San Juan (puerto rico ) was better than any Indian airport I have been to

Singapore :thumbs_up: What about Seoul (S.Korea), Taipei (Taiwan)?

[Desi Cartman]

Singapore :thumbs_up: What about Seoul (S.Korea), Taipei (Taiwan)?

Nopes havent been to korea or Taiwan but I have been to Japan ... The JAL airlines is cr@p and the airport is massive. No problems there either !

[Predator_05]

Dhaba owners would be offended by that. My parents once told me that when IGI was first opened back the early 80's, it was a top notch airport. Immaculately clean, organized, well-run. Then, within 5 years, it got completely f ucked up. Indians' lack of civic sense kicking in, i suppose. Check out the Guestbook at IGI's official website (delhiairport.com). Some hilarious (but realistic) entries. Obviously the c0cksuckers who run this airport don't bother deleting the tons of negative feedback that gets submitted.

Dear Sir, I would like to make a complaint against Mr. Rajesh who was manning the toilet just outside the 'arrivals' gate of the international terminal. I wanted to use the urinal and Mr. Rajesh asked me to pay some money for its use. When I pointed to the sign which clearly said "Urinal : Free", he sheepishly looked at me and said I could use it for free (as if he was doing me a favour). What took me by surprise was his initial insistence on asking me to pay. When I pointed that it was clearly written 'free', he backtracked. It seemed as if he tries this with people wanting to use the urinal. Those who point out that it is free, he would let them use it for free. Otherwise he might get some money out of them. Remember, this is the international terminal and the first taste that a foreign visitor gets is of people like Mr. Rajesh who make all of us seem like crooks and touts. When I asked for his name so that I could formally lodge a complaint and, naturally, he was reluctant to give me his name. The incident took place at around 1800 today (1st March). I hope action is taken against Mr. Rajesh to ensure that such harrassment doesn't happen in future. Posted By : rebizzi rosella on Feb 27, 2006 * Comments : we were in delhi int. airport the night of the 21st of febr. living for europe. It took us 4 hours to get to the gate because of all the various bad managed checks.We've had to wait for 2 hours on the aircraft because other passengers were still in queue!(lost the connection in amsetrdam) No one was able to give information, no time table, nothing to eat, duty free shops with different prices and very very expensive (no checks on the shops?) We were treated so badly from your staff! WE ARE CUSTOMERS AND WE PAY A LOT OF TAXES FOR AIRPORTS! IT IS SHAMEFUL THE WAY YOU MANAGE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!! Posted By : Theresa on Feb 08, 2006 * Comments : I am keenly aware of the bathroom habits on Indian nationals, but PLEASE tell me why the bathrooms in the airport do not have paper towels to wipe our hands, and why the attendant gives a tiny piece of toilet paper as you walk in? People do not wipe their hands dry on tissue! This is an INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Posted By : amerias on Feb 07, 2006 * Comments : My advise to people using Delhi Airport. Just try to stay away from this airport It is full of corrupt and ignorant officials. I have lost 2 suitcases there so far. They were stolen by the staff. It is a network of the X-ray guys and baggage handlers. I hope they privatise this airport soon. Posted By : Hardeep Singh on Jan 08, 2006 * Comments : I flew back to the US via Delhi Airport on the first of January. I would like to inform the airport authorities that a wallet size Sony Digital camera was stolen of my handbag at the Airport. I lost valuable pictures of my family as well as my trip. Please forward this email to the appropiate authorities as well as the Lost & Found Dept. Thanks Posted By : sanjay on Dec 19, 2005 * Comments : Indira Ghandi is the greatest Posted By : Amar Dave on Dec 10, 2005 * Comments : I Am Ashamed At Delhi Airport! This Is My Capital! Delhi Airport Looks Like A Dumpster From The Air! Clean This Dump UP!!! Posted By : Avni Ruparell on Nov 06, 2005 * Comments : I JUST TRAVELLLED ON AIR CANADA FLIGHT AC879 WITH MY DAUGHTER SHIVANI RUPARELL ON THURSDAY NOV 3/05 LEAVING DELHI AT 1.45AM IN THE MORNING AND ARRIVING IN TORONTO AT 12.15PM ON NOV 4/05. I WAS TRAVELLING IN BUSINESS CLASS AND HAD 7 PIEICES OF LUGGAGE- 3 MEDIUM SIZED BAGS AND 4 HAND LUGGAGE SIZED BAGS- THE MANAGER AT THE COUNTER WAS EXTREMELY IGNORANT AND ARROGANT- HE STATED THAT THE ALLOWANCE WAS ONLY 2 PECIES PER PASSENGER AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A FREIGHT OF RS 6,600 PER PIECE- MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE AT THE CHECK IN COUNTER AT 11.15 PM -1/2 HOUR BEFORE THE CHECK IN TIME- I HAD TO CALL MY HUSBAND IN CANADA AND HAVE STAFF PUT THE ALLOWANCE ON FILE BEFORE WE WERE ALLOWED TO CHECK IN THE BAGS- THE MANAGER WAS IGNORANT OF THE FACT THAT THE ALLOWANCE IS 3 PEICES PER PASSANGER FOR BUSINESS CLASS AND NOT 2 PIECES- MY DAUGHTER AN I HAD TO WAIT FOR OVER 2 HOURS IN LINE - THIS KIND OF IGNORANCE, INCONSIDERATION, RUDNESS AND BAD SERVICE IS WHAT DISCOURAGES PEOPLE LIKE ME FROM TRAVELLING TO INDIA- I WOULD NEVER VISIT THT COUNTRY AGAIN IF THERE WAS NOT A NECCESITY TO DO SO!!!! (THE SAME AUTHORITY AT TORONTO AIRPORT USED HIS DISCRETION TO ALLOW THE PIECES AFTER REVIEWING THE SIZE OF THE BAGS WHEN I TRAVELLED FROM TORONTO TO DELHI – AND INDIN AIR LINES IN PUNE WAS ALSO ALLOWED THEM AFTER REVIEWING MY TICKETS FOR TRAVEL TO TORONTO ) Posted By : Alonzo on Jun 17, 2005 * Comments : Your site has good asthetics but for god's sake improve your bloody airport it looks like a chewed up carboard box with exposed electric wires and looks worse than an African airport. Your airport is a trash heap. Yech! Addis Ababa, one of the worst cities in the world, has a way better airport than your sorry wet cardboard box. LEARN TO BUILD AIRPORTS AND MAKE A GOOD ONE before hyping it up with a pretty site.

[Desi Cartman]

^^ Thanks for those posts. I think its messed up cuz they run it like Biijli ka office. Too much sarkari staff.. They are all waiting to retire and can not be fired else the union would be up in arms ...