Chennai: There is good news for drivers who come to the airport to drop or pick up a passenger: the authorities have decided to allow 10 minutes of free drive in and out, as opposed to the earlier seven minutes’ limit.
Those who exceeded the 10- minute time limit though would have to pay the four-hour parking fee of Rs 135.
Airport sources said that a new contractor had been appointed to handle parking at the city airport, the free 10-minute clause having been included in the instructions.
“Malaysia-based Metro Parking, which has experience in maintaining parking lots at airports, cinema halls and commercial malls in 14 countries, is expected to take over soon,” airport assistant general manager (PR) HarbhÂajan Singh said.
“We are waiting for a nod from HQ to enhance the time limit to 10 minutes for vehicles to enter and exit the airport,” he added.
Meanwhile, Air Passengers’ Association of India (APAI) president D. Sudhakara Reddy appreciated the move to increase the time limit.
“Initially, it was five minutes, then we made a representation to change it to seven minutes. The elderly and disabled continued to find it difficult to adhere to the norm. So 10 minutes is a welcome move,” he added.
