Less check lines for women, airport cites staff crunch

While female travellers have to be contended with just one or two lines on any given day, men have the luxury of waiting in close to 11 or 12 queues. This is despite the fact that the airport in the city hosts a large population of women, especially on international flights.

Several women have criticised the airport authorities’ patriarchal mindset – and some even posted on online forums like Twitter with hashtags such as #weflytoo and #everydaysexism to combat the issue – but to no avail.

P Sneha Mohan, a frequent flyer from Chennai, who often travels abroad for business, rues, “There have been many occasions when I’ve had to rush all flustered to catch my flight and even missed a couple – thanks to the long queues at the frisking booths. We ladies have had to wait close to even 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours, while men sail through the counters every minute. I, along with some other friends/ passengers, have reported this problem, but no action seems to come through on ground.”

G Chandramouli, Airport Director, acknowledged the complaints and admitted to the problem. “We are doing all we can – but the issue is staffing. Currently at the domestic terminals, the number of DFMD (door frame metal detectors) for ladies is six, as compared to 10 for men. They are ready for functioning anytime — but even with the increase in frisking booths for women, we don’t have the staff required to operate them. Women employees are busy assisting elderly flyers, pregnant women and so on. During peak hours, we have four or five open for them, but at other times we are forced to compromise.”

He added that the airport has plans to increase the staff from the current strength of around 1,180 to 1,650 next year – but it depends on the volume of staff among the new recruits being allotted to Chennai airport, with stiff competition from private airports.

“In 2018, we sincerely hope to rectify this issue, and ensure a smoother travel for our women patrons,” Chandramouli assured.