First Indian airport receives ACI Airport Health Accreditation

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) has become the first Indian airport to be accredited under the Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation programme. This accreditation is a tip of the hat to the numerous health and safety initiatives adopted by the airport to safeguard passengers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of the evolving threat of COVID-19, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport upped the ante on the safety measures typically followed at the airport. In adherence to the norms of the government and regulatory bodies, the airport is ensuring stringent screening, social distancing, mandatory compliance with wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and required gears, sanitisation and disinfection processes.

Simultaneously, the airport has innovated the use of technology to promote a contactless experience throughout the airport, as well as adopting other initiatives like the installation of glass partitions on all counters, strategic placement of hand sanitisers and the sanitisation of cabs across the airport, to highlight a few.

As the global aviation industry reels from the impact of the pandemic, several international aviation bodies have put forth recommendations to support and uplift operations at airports. The Airport Health Accreditation programme was launched by ACI in July 2020 and assesses the new health measures and procedures adopted by airports as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) recommendations, the programme assesses procedures like cleaning and disinfection, physical distancing, staff protection, physical layout, passenger communications and passenger facilities.

Since the resumption of domestic flight operations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport has witnessed an increasing trend in travel amongst passengers. A recent survey conducted at the airport revealed an overwhelming satisfaction amongst passengers on the safety measures implemented at the airport, and the accreditation by ACI further re-affirms its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its passengers and personnel.