Restriction on visitors dropping air passengers at Hyderabad airport extended till August end

HYDERABAD: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) authorities have announced an extension of the restriction on the number of individuals accompanying air travellers until the end of August. Initially, the airport and local police had enforced a cap of three persons per traveller heading abroad, which was originally intended to be in effect until Independence Day. However, due to ongoing issues of overcrowding causing traffic congestion, officials have decided to prolong the deadline.

K Narayana Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Shamshabad zone, stated that limiting the number of people accompanying passengers would not only alleviate traffic congestion but also enhance the airport's ability to guide travellers effectively.

RGIA officials pointed out that the annual surge of students traveling abroad for educational pursuits led to a significant rise in the volume of people at the airport. An RGIA official noted, "We observed that there were around 50 to 60 visitors per passenger, resulting in a considerable number of vehicles, which in turn caused congestion on access roads and ramps." The airport is also on high security alert in anticipation of Independence Day.

The decision to restrict the number of accompanying individuals was taken after noting no decline in the presence of families and friends over the past week. Despite appeals made by the airport authorities on social media, substantial change was not witnessed. Therefore, the police have appealed to the public for their understanding and cooperation in adhering to these restrictions.