CHENNAI: In a bid to curb noise pollution, Chennai airport is ridding itself of boarding announcements in its domestic terminal from May 1 as it plans to emulate airports across the world by going ‘silent.’ The decision was taken after inputs from passengers, an airport spokesperson said.
This would mean that airlines will now notify any change in timings, boarding time, baggage delivery belts etc through SMS. As a result domestic passengers passing through Chennai will now need to rely on the airport’s schedule displays and mobile app .
The move by Chennai airport comes in the wake of airports and airlines across the world getting attracted to the ‘silent’ airport concept to create a calm, relaxed ambience for travellers.
“A decision was taken by Airport Authority of India in consultation with all the airlines and stake holders to do away with boarding announcements in the terminal building,” said the spokesman.
However, the spokesman said that limited announcements will be made in case there is a change of boarding gates.
The ‘silent airport’ concept is to reduce noise pollution, such as airport announcements without sacrificing timely and helpful updates of information. Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and some other airports have already done away with the boarding announcement system, the spokesman said.
Improved flight information display systems and interactive kiosks together with advances in mobile technology, including the ability to develop comprehensive apps, are changing the way airports communicate with passengers.