New rules to make Kolkata airport corona-ready for take-off

KOLKATA: The Kolkata airport is ready for a fresh takeoff. As airlines rev aircraft engines in anticipation of resuming flights, the airport gave the finishing touches to new travel protocols in the Covid-19 era to ensure social distancing norms and eliminate contact points while passing through the terminal.

The changes begin right at the entrance with everyone required to wear masks before entering the terminal.Disinfectant mats will be placed at the entrance to clear shoes of any virus. Physical distancing markers have been laid out on the floor outside the entrance and at other queue points, such as check-in counters, self check-in terminals, security check and frisking points and boarding gates.
CISF personnel will no longer physically check passenger tickets and ID cards but view it through a glass shield.
At the check-in counter, passengers have to display the tickets and ID cards from a distance. The boarding card printer will be so placed that the flyer can take it directly. The only contact point will be the baggage tagging area. However, the bags will be sanitized at the destination before being put on the conveyor belt for collection.
At security checkpoints, passengers will be inspected with hand-held metal detectors with extra-long handles so that CISF personnel in PPE are at a fair distance. There will be no physical frisking. There is also a proposal to do away with the need to stamp the boarding pass.
In the security hold area, middle seats have been marked with red cross to indicate that they are not to be used. While there is no restriction on retail outlets, only ready-to-eat snacks like sandwiches, rolls and patties will be available from food & beverage outlets.
The airport operator has acquired four portable fumigation machines that will be used to disinfect surfaces in the terminal. In washrooms, attendants will regulate entry to prevent crowding. While taps are sensor fitted, touchpoints like flush knobs in commodes will be sanitized after use.
Touch-free sanitizer dispensers have also been installed at eight critical locations in the terminal. There are two more units in the international wing. “We expect a decision on resumption of flights anyday now and have prepared the facility to ensure safety for both flyers and airport and airline staff,” Kolkata airport director Kaushik Bhattacharjee said.