Baggage Retrieval Warning: BCAS Mandates Airlines to Find Luggage Within 30 Minutes of Landing

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued directives to seven airlines, including Air India, regarding timely delivery of baggage at airports. According to the new regulations by BCAS, airlines must deliver baggage to passengers within 30 minutes of landing. The deadline for compliance is set until February 26th. Failure to comply with the regulations will result in disciplinary action.

BCAS has issued these directives to Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India Express, and Air India Connect.

As per the Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement (OMDA), the first bag must reach the conveyor belt within 10 minutes, and the last bag should be delivered within 30 minutes after the flight’s engine shutdown.

BCAS has been monitoring airports since January, following the instructions of Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, to ensure timely delivery of baggage at airports. A review has revealed that there has been less compliance with mandatory standards despite improvements made in punctuality. Subsequently, BCAS has established regulations to ensure airlines deliver baggage to passengers on time.

BCAS has stated in a notification that passengers will have a better experience if they receive their baggage within 30 minutes. All airline companies will be monitored in the coming days to ensure compliance with these regulations.

BCAS stands for the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. It was established in 1978 under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to address issues such as hijacking and violence on flights. Its formation aimed to regulate and control such incidents. In April 1987, BCAS was made an independent department. Its mandate includes overseeing compliance with the standards and protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national civil aviation security standards in India.