Pune Airport Lacking Essential Facilities For Senior Citizens, Residents Demand Better Facilities

Sumit Singh

Viman Nagar, 17th September 2023: Residents of Pune have raised concerns about the lack of essential facilities for senior citizens at Pune International Airport.

In a letter to the media, residents highlighted the following issues:

Lack of recliner seats or comfortable resting areas: Travel can be physically exhausting for senior citizens, and they deserve a place to rest and rejuvenate.

Absence of priority check-in: Senior citizens, who may require additional assistance, do not have access to priority check-in counters. This results in longer queues and added stress during the check-in process.

Inadequate washroom facilities: Washrooms inside the airport lack basic amenities like automated room fresheners. Maintaining a clean and pleasant environment in and around washrooms is crucial, especially for senior citizens who may require frequent restroom visits.

Transportation for senior citizens: There is a severe shortage of passenger transport vehicles (PTVs) to assist senior citizens, particularly when they are leaving the airport. With the high volume of travelers, relying on just one PTV is impractical and often results in long waiting times.

Physical fatigue: The extensive walking required at airports, from check-in to security checks and gate changes, can be physically taxing for older travelers, especially those with mobility issues.

Limited assistance: Senior travelers require assistance with carrying luggage or navigating the airport, but such assistance is not always readily available.

Information accessibility /Communication barriers: Language barriers are a significant challenge for senior citizens, especially when seeking information or assistance at the airport. Finding clear and accessible information regarding flight gates, boarding times, and amenities can be challenging for older travelers, particularly those who are not tech-savvy.

Residents have proposed the following solutions:

Install recliner seats: Provide designated resting areas with recliner seats for senior citizens to relax comfortably during layovers or flight delays.

Establish priority check-in counters: Introduce priority check-in counters for senior citizens to expedite their travel process and reduce the stress associated with long lines.

Enhance washroom facilities: Ensure the availability of automated room fresheners inside washrooms to maintain hygiene and improve the overall experience for travelers.

Increase passenger transport vehicles: To cater to the needs of senior citizens, increase the number of PTVs available for transportation both within and outside the airport.

Free-of-cost facilities: Advocate for the provision of these facilities as a part of the government’s commitment to the well-being and comfort of senior citizens.

Residents have urged the Pune Airport authorities to take immediate action to address these deficiencies. They believe that the airport should be an example of inclusivity and convenience for all travelers, especially senior citizens who deserve a stress-free and comfortable journey.