India's leading airlines have been mandated to ensure that passengers' bags are dispatched within 10 minutes of the aircraft's engines being shut down, addressing issues related to delays and inconveniences experienced during air travel.

The state has directed seven prominent airlines to guarantee that passengers receive their baggage within 30 minutes of their arrival. In a statement issued on February 16, the civil aviation ministry emphasized that airlines must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Service Quality Requirements of Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement. The statement further emphasized that airlines are required to ensure the delivery of the last piece of baggage within the specified 30-minute timeframe.

The issuance of this directive stemmed from apprehensions about the timeliness of baggage delivery, prompted by complaints received through various channels, including social media. Passengers were reportedly facing delays in receiving their baggage upon landing at the airport, as explicitly outlined in the Service Quality Requirements of Operation, Management, and Delivery Agreement (OMDA).

Currently, six major airports are under surveillance. Nevertheless, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed airlines to expand their compliance measures to encompass all airports within their operational jurisdiction. This expanded scope is intended to promote consistency and ensure adherence to the prescribed service levels throughout the aviation sector.

Indian travelers have consistently expressed their dissatisfaction with the baggage delivery procedures at airports. Instances of baggage delays, lasting nearly an hour, have been a common source of frustration for passengers, with the wait time exacerbated when technical issues arise with the baggage belt. In recent months, the aviation ministry has been actively implementing various measures to enhance the overall smoothness of air travel in response to these concerns.