Chennai Airport to Deploy Nearly 100 Staff Members to Guide Arriving Passengers

Nearly 100 personnel are set to be deployed at Chennai airport to assist arriving passengers and help them navigate the facility following months of complaints over confusing exits and hard-to-find cab pickup zones. The airport has been facing severe backlash over passengers’ struggles to find and access the cab-boarding point, among other areas across the complex.

Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that bids have already been floated to hire the necessary manpower. The newly recruited staff members are scheduled to join services within a few weeks to address long-standing passenger grievances.

Once deployed, the staff members will wear designated uniforms with badges indicating that they are there to assist travelers. They will be stationed outside the T1 and T4 Domestic Terminals, the T2 International Terminal, and across the multi-level car parking facility.

According to an official, the personnel will provide comprehensive directional guidance and support vulnerable travelers. “Be it assisting senior citizens, pregnant women or disabled passengers in boarding the cab outside the terminal or providing directions to other passengers, the staff members will offer any necessary support to ensure that they can seamlessly exit the airport,” he said.

The deployment follows repeated complaints regarding inadequate signage. Devaraj Damodaram, a resident of Chromepet, recollected the hassle he faced when he landed at the Chennai airport some months ago. “When I exited the domestic terminal, I felt lost and couldn’t find my way out. The signage was inadequate. Finally, I had to get the help of my co-passenger to leave the airport. While this is a good initiative, the AAI should also focus on strengthening the signage,” he said.

On social media platforms like X, several passengers have similarly flagged the lack of clear directional boards and footpaths. Highlighting his difficulties reaching the transit link, a passenger, Arun Ganesh, said: “At Chennai Airport T2 upper level and I’m lost wondering how to get to the Metro station right in front without asking anyone. Neither is there a direct footpath nor a single sign.”

Describing his struggle to find an entrance, Ganesh added: “Seems like there is a connection from the ground floor, but no obvious way to go down either. Took the road, but that’s not getting me there. At least I’m getting a good look at how this Metro is connected, but I still don’t see how I can make it inside.”