Fliers suffer as aero bridge at airport Aero bridge at airport conks out

From the beginning of this year, passengers at the Trichy International Airport are forced to climb up mobile ladders to board a flight due to the non-functioning of the lone available aero-bridge.

Despite an approval given to acquire three aero bridges a few years ago, the airport authorities delayed it, citing several reasons.

According to sources at the airport, the aero bridge was not in use since January 6. Several senior citizens and children face discomfort while climbing up the mobile ladders. All the passengers are now made to board flights from the parking bay itself.

During the construction of the terminal, Rs 110 crore was allotted to acquire three aero bridges. However, only one aero bridge was acquired from an Indonesia-based company.

Airport director B C H Negi told TOI: "Measures have been taken to repair the aero bridge and bring required parts for the bridge. We are also trying to source it from nearby airports if the situation continues."

He added that the Indonesian company would be informed about the non-functioning of the aero bridge. The company has been carrying out maintenance work of the bridge on a regular basis.

Sources at the airport said it was the second such incident reported within a gap of four months. In the first incident, the aero bridge was repaired by local electrical engineers.

"With the number of passengers growing at a rapid pace, the non-functioning of aero bridge has dented the image of the airport," said S Ramakrishnan, a frequent passenger.

He said overseas passengers are a main asset to the growth of an airport as well as the economy of the country. "It is high time the airport authorities take immediate measures to provide aero bridge facility to passengers," he added.

Source