Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in the city will be adding two more new self-baggage drop machines at the domestic terminal (T1) within the next 15 days. This expansion follows a positive response to the existing machines, which were introduced last November. The total number of machines will increase to four, saving passengers approximately 25 minutes during peak hours.
Since their launch, 70,000 passengers from IndiGo and Air India have utilized the self-baggage drop service. Integration with Akasa Airline is also underway, necessitating airlines to update their software for operational compatibility.
In other news beneficial to travelers using the DigiYatra app, the airport will soon add three additional electronic gates at Terminal 1. This will bring the total number of e-gates at the airport to four, facilitating swift check-ins for passengers using DigiYatra.
SVPI Airport introduced its first e-gate several months ago, receiving favorable feedback from travelers. Currently, approximately 20% of the daily departing passengers, totaling 14,000, utilize DigiYatra. The addition of these new e-gates is expected to further promote passenger adoption of the platform.
With these gates installed at Terminal 1, domestic travelers can streamline the check-in process from an average of one and a half hours to just 15 minutes.
Additionally, the expansion of the international terminal at the airport is nearing completion. To enhance check-in efficiency, the terminal will soon feature 52 counters, minimizing wait times during peak hours, along with additional immigration counters and security checkpoints.
Passengers using the self-baggage drop service must ensure their bags comply with airline size restrictions and do not contain prohibited items such as e-cigarettes or flammable substances. Any such items detected will result in the bag being halted at the terminal’s level 4 conveyor belt and returned to the terminal. The respective passenger will be notified to retrieve their bags and remove the items accordingly.