Pune Airport Introduces Measures to Prevent Luggage Damage at Baggage Carousel
Viman Nagar, 17th April 2025: In response to repeated passenger complaints about damaged luggage, Pune airport authorities have introduced a new system aimed at reducing wear and tear during baggage handling. The initiative, currently being tested in collaboration with select airlines, focuses on minimizing impact when bags arrive at the baggage carousel.
The pilot setup involves the use of foam buffers to cushion luggage as it reaches the carousel edges, along with staff manually organizing the bags to prevent collisions. This method is inspired by best practices observed at airports in Japan and Southeast Asia.
“We have begun testing a system where bags are gently guided onto the carousel using foam padding to reduce impact,” said Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke. “A few airlines are supporting this initiative. The goal is to ensure that passengers receive their luggage in good condition.”
The new arrangement includes staff members positioned near the conveyor belt, who not only place foam shock absorbers at critical points but also neatly arrange bags for easy pickup by passengers. This prevents bags from toppling over each other or hitting hard surfaces.
The effort gained public attention recently when a video of the system went viral on social media. The footage showed airport personnel placing a rectangular foam block to absorb the force of incoming baggage, while another official ensured bags were aligned neatly for collection. Flyers praised the approach for its attention to detail and care for passengers’ belongings.
“This kind of proactive baggage handling is common at airports in countries like Japan, where passenger convenience is prioritized,” said an airline staffer involved in the initiative. “We’re happy to see similar practices being explored here.”
While the system is not yet implemented across all flights, authorities say feedback from passengers and operational feasibility will determine its wider rollout.
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Airport officials added that ongoing discussions with ground handling teams aim to further refine the process and eventually make it a standard practice at Pune Airport.
