Flyers at Bengaluru's KIA Airport Call for Dedicated Shoe Trays to Enhance Hygiene

Travelers at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) are raising their voices for improved hygiene measures, specifically demanding the introduction of separate trays for shoes at the airport’s security checkpoints. The call for action gained momentum after Anand Nichani, Managing Director of Magniflex India, highlighted the issue on social media, urging the airport to address this overlooked aspect of traveler hygiene.

Nichani's concern was voiced on X (formerly Twitter), where he used the hashtag #HygieneMattersBIAL to bring attention to the fact that the same trays used for placing shoes are also used for personal belongings such as phones, laptops, and wallets. In his post, Nichani stressed that this practice is unhygienic and called for separate shoe trays to be made mandatory at KIA for a cleaner and more pleasant experience.

https://twitter.com/NichaniAnand/status/1822833633473806655

The issue was brought to the forefront after Nichani witnessed a passenger placing muddy shoes on one of the security trays. The tray, which was not cleaned or sanitized afterward, was returned to the common tray stand, raising concerns about the potential spread of germs. Nichani pointed out that such practices are particularly worrisome during the monsoon season, when the risk of contamination is higher.

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The conversation quickly gained traction online, with many travelers echoing Nichani’s concerns. "Providing separate trays for items like shoes is a basic hygiene necessity," commented one user, while another emphasized the health risks associated with the current practice.

In response to the growing demand, KIA officials stated that hygiene and passenger experience are top priorities for the airport, noting that dedicated shoe trays are available at all X-ray machines. However, many travelers, including Nichani, have disputed this claim, stating that these trays are not clearly marked or visible, leading to confusion among passengers.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the need for improved hygiene practices at airports across India. As travel resumes post-pandemic, ensuring a clean and safe environment for passengers is more crucial than ever. Whether KIA will take further steps to address these concerns remains to be seen, but the conversation has certainly put the spotlight on an issue that affects every traveler passing through the airport.

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For those planning their next journey through Bengaluru, it might be worth keeping an eye on whether these changes are implemented, ensuring a more comfortable and hygienic travel experience.