Lack of Baggage Trolleys and Wheelchair Assistance at Amritsar Airport Causes Inconvenience to Passengers
FlyAmritsar Initiative and Amritsar Vikas Manch Renew Call for Improved Facilities
Amritsar, April 17, 2025 – The FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI) and Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) have once again raised serious concerns over the continued lack of basic passenger amenities at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar — particularly the non-availability of baggage trolleys and wheelchair assistance at the departure terminal.
The issue was highlighted following the recent experience of Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative and Overseas Secretary of AVM, who recently departed from the airport on a flight to Dubai. Gumtala, who is based in Ohio, USA shared that he arrived around 6:45 AM for his flight with a family member and found no trolleys available near the departure entrance. The two had to carry three bags for check-in, two carry-ons, laptop bag etc. into the terminal without any assistance.
“It was a shock to see passengers walking all the way to the arrival terminal side just to find a trolley or dragging multiple luggage. There were no signs, no staff, and no clear instructions on where to find trolleys or wheel chairs at the departure terminal. We expect better from an international airport where crores are spent on infrastructure and passengers are charged fees, yet the basic needs including Wi-Fi internet etc. are being ignored,” said Gumtala.
Gumtala stressed the need for a dedicated, clearly marked trolley pickup zone near the departure entry gate, along with staff assigned to manage and refill them. “If needed, install automated paid systems — this would prevent misuse and ensure trolleys are available when truly needed.”
He also highlighted a more concerning issue affecting elderly and disabled passengers: the lack of visible wheelchair assistance booths or designated help points on the departure terminal side. “Handicapped passengers arriving at the departure side struggle to find help. In some cases, the porters or helpers who do appear demand excessive money from passengers, taking advantage of their vulnerability,” Gumtala added.
These challenges are not limited to a single experience. Jass Singh, a regular international traveler from Amritsar and a resident of Ohio, USA also reached out to Gumtala recently, expressing similar concerns regarding trolley unavailability. “It is unfortunate that such basic shortcomings continue to trouble international travelers, especially when flying out of their home city,” Singh noted.
Gumtala noted that during past meetings with airport officials, the matter had been raised multiple times. “We were assured that trolleys were being procured, but what use are few hundred trolleys if they’re not managed properly during peak hours?” he said.
The FlyAmritsar Initiative, along with AVM, has been consistently advocating for better facilities at the airport through media engagement, community outreach, and direct communication with authorities. Gumtala did acknowledge a recent positive development — the opening of multiple entry gates at the departure terminal — which has improved the entry process and reduced crowding.
However, he emphasized that “small yet critical facilities like trolleys, Wi-Fi and proper assistance for the differently-abled must not be overlooked.” The organizations are formally appealing to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Amritsar Airport Director Sh. S.K. Kapahi to take immediate and concrete steps to resolve these issues for the convenience, dignity, and safety of all passengers.