Airlines try to save time in two ways prior to departure. Firstly, they keep the boarding passengers waiting in the aerobridge, and secondly, they refuel the aircraft while passengers are seated and/or boarding. In the former case, after a call to board, the passengers are made to stand in the narrow confines of the aerobridge. Passengers – babies, kids, young, old, pregnant ladies, physically challenged, and those on wheelchairs – at times wait as long as 30 minutes to get to their seats. This is either because the aircraft is being checked by ground staff, and forms are being filled and signed by the crew, or, if the aircraft has arrived from elsewhere, passengers are deboarding and this is followed by housekeeping and certification. To avoid inconvenience, airlines could board the passengers after completing all the due formalities.
Secondly, at times the aircraft is refuelled when the passengers are boarding/seated. There would be an announcement not to use electronic items, but most people do not pay heed to this request. Refuelling the aircraft on the tarmac is dangerous since, in case of a fire, the casualty would be severe, as there are tens of people including ground staff, vehicles, aircraft, and the terminal building.
Aircraft should be strictly refuelled in the hangars and then brought for boarding to avoid a potentially dangerous inferno-like situation.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Civil Aviation need to mandate the airlines to put an end to the above two practices at the earliest.
