AAI takes first step to make Srinagar's airport disabled friendly

A separate help desk with staff trained in sign language has been provided for people having communication barriers so that they don't get abandoned or lost thus wasting their travel time.

It may be mentioned that this step comes in the wake of a meeting that was held on Jan. 4 this year for the formation of a local committee issue related to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Apart from airport officials, local NGOs and all stakeholders of the airport had taken part in the meeting.

As per the meeting, the stakeholders had stressed that there should be a separate reserved, designated gate towards the airport for passengers with disability.

“There should be a reserved X-Ray counter where the luggage of passengers with disabilities could be checked. The assistance or support for passengers having no escort should be available and they should take the baggage to machines and accommodate back in vehicles," a official statement said.

At the drop gate there should be a parking slot available where persons with disabilities can board and deboard the vehicles as per their requirement, it said.

The security representative at all points should be aware about the benefits, relaxations and how to deal with persons with disabilities , it added.