In a major push to streamline passenger experience, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has inaugurated 14 state-of-the-art hybrid self-bag drop counters at Terminal 2. The initiative aims to reduce the traditional 30-minute wait at check-in desks to just a few minutes, eliminating long queues during peak travel hours.

For years, travelers faced time-consuming waits at airline counters, particularly during rush periods, often leading to missed flights and mounting stress. The new counters are designed to address these bottlenecks by combining automation with simplified processes, enabling faster baggage handling and smoother passenger flow.

The hybrid system empowers passengers to handle most steps independently. Travelers scan their boarding passes or enter their PNR at the kiosk, confirm the contents of their luggage, and print their baggage tags. Once tagged, bags are placed on the automated belt, scanned again to sync with flight details, and swiftly processed for departure.

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Airport officials explained that the counters optimize terminal space while significantly increasing baggage handling capacity. This allows the airport to manage sudden surges in passenger numbers efficiently, reducing congestion at traditional desks and improving overall airport operations.

Currently, 14 self-bag drop counters are operational at Terminal 2, marking the first phase of a larger digital transformation. With 212 traditional check-in desks across CSMIA, the airport has committed to converting all counters to a hybrid format by 2028, ensuring a fully automated passenger experience in the near future.

Passengers have welcomed the initiative, noting that even first-time travelers can quickly adapt to the simplified process. Officials believe that as the system expands, the new counters will not only save time but also enhance safety, reduce physical crowding, and set a benchmark for other airports across India.

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