No stone left unturned in KIA’s virus prevention drive
BENGALURU:
As the ‘Vande Bharat’ operation to bring back overseas Indians continues, and with the possibility of relaxations on domestic and international air travel, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of Kempegowda International Airport, has introduced a slew of measures, including social distancing, thermal screening, sanitisation and disinfection tunnels, fumigation of the terminal, as well as a contactless F&B experience to ensure travellers pass through the airport as safely and securely as possible.
“As the new Gateway to India, we at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru have a key role to play in helping get through this global health crisis by acting responsibly. With the highest priority on safety of passengers, employees and other stakeholders, we have implemented a series of actions to protect passengers and minimise exposure from the transmission of the virus when the airport reopens,” said Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Seating across the terminal, including at F&B outlets, has been rearranged and marked in a manner that promotes social distancing. At security checkpoints, additional separation is marked. Appropriate signage has been installed across the airport.
THERMAL SCREENING
Thermal screening of all arriving and departing passengers is based on mandates from the MoCA and the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Employees will undergo regular screening, both at the beginning and end of shifts. Efforts are underway to minimise wait times and avoid crowding at the kerb.
HYGIENE AWARENESS
Passengers are encouraged to use online check-in and bring an electronic or printed boarding pass with them to avoid contact with high-touch surfaces and queues at check-in counters. Passengers also have the facility of printing boarding passes at the departure gates or inside the terminal. Passengers will have access to hand sanitisers, placed at nearly 500 locations across the terminal.
DEEP-CLEANING AND SANITISATION
An intense sanitisation and disinfection drive was initiated during the lockdown, wherein the entire 155,000 sq.m terminal, airside and landside infrastructure have undergone multiple rounds of deep cleaning and sanitisation.
The areas frequently touched by passengers and high-traffic areas such as the security hold area, airline counters, kiosks, self-bag drop machines, trolleys, chairs, trays and ATMs are sanitised every two hours with mist. That apart, chairs, trolleys and other passenger touchpoints have been scrubbed clean.
The washrooms across the airport premises are sanitised on a regular basis, irrespective of the frequency of usage. The frequency of misting, sanitising and deep cleaning will be gradually increased once the airport resumes operations. The unique plants and shrubs, as well as the pots, at the terminal are sanitised and cleaned on a regular basis.
DISINFECTION DRIVE
The pest control team sprays high-grade disinfectant using a fog machine every two hours to decontaminate even the remotest corner of the Airport.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
With support from medical partner Aster Hospital, the airport will continue to provide the highest standards of medical care for passengers. To provide rapid response during emergencies, BIAL recently launched indoor ambulances.
FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE
BIAL has developed a contactless solution to help restaurants and eateries minimise human contact. It has three main components – contactless menu, contactless ordering and contactless payment—all done via a kiosk or a mobile app. The curated food, which includes immunity-boosting combos, will be available for takeaway as well as delivery. The delivery would be made at a specific seat or designated point.
