As the Diwali festive season approaches, the Aeromall authority has introduced changes to its pick-up arrangements to effectively handle the expected rise in passenger numbers at Pune International Airport (PIA), The Indian Express reported. These adjustments may include extending the direct pick-up point from the new terminal to the drop-off locations for all passengers.

Last month, the Aeromall administration launched a direct pick-up service from the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) for pregnant women, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD), providing them direct transportation to their designated drop-off points.

“With the potential rise in passenger numbers during the festival season, this pick-up service may also be extended to benefit other passengers who were previously excluded,” Vice-president of Aeromall, YS Rajput, said. He noted that while a significant spike in passenger numbers has not yet been observed, the current occupancy rate of around 90 percent is expected to rise to 100 percent during the festival season. Additional modifications will be proposed to accommodate this increase beyond the usual 90 percent occupancy rate at the airport.

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Additionally, Aeromall has opted to strengthen its management team by establishing extra help desks outside Terminal 2 to closely monitor congestion, Rajput stated. “We have deployed more staff at NITB help desks, who are working in three shifts to ensure service efficiency and minimise inconvenience to passengers,” he added.

To further reduce waiting times and alleviate congestion within the mall, adjustments have also been made to the lift operations. Rajput explained that the mall features five lifts: three with a capacity of 30 passengers each and two with a capacity of 16 passengers each. “We have disabled call buttons for the three 30-passenger lifts on the upper floors, which were primarily used by drivers and Aeromall staff, leading to long wait times for passengers,” he noted.

“To prioritise passenger convenience, we aim at reducing the lift waiting time to under a minute. However, the two 16-passenger lifts will continue operating on all floors for everyone,” Rajput added.