Chennai: The meet-and-greet service staff, outsourced by the airport authority, were removed from their positions after they demanded extra money beyond the prescribed charges for escort and trolley services from a customer. A family had recently sought porterage service for senior citizens. Although the family paid 1,000 rupees, the personnel demanded an additional 1,000 rupees for pushing the trolley to the exit. After the issue was escalated on social media, Chennai airport authorities responded that the personnel had been identified by the licensee and removed from service.
Airport Authority's Response
Airport sources stated that the licensee was warned that such incidents should not recur. However, frequent flyers claim that the meet-and-greet personnel have become a nuisance over time. "The moment we politely refuse their service, their behaviour changes. Paying them extra has become almost mandatory," said A Sam, who recently visited her daughter in the UK.
Licensee's Statement
A representative of Promedia, the licensee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the company had taken over the meet-and-greet service only two months ago and that the lapse was committed by a worker who was employed with the previous licensee. "Two people have been removed and such incidents will not occur again," said the representative.
Efforts to Improve Services
Airport authority officials said that they are making efforts to keep the airport friendly for senior citizens and the differently abled by providing cab pickup at the terminal itself and extending the toll-free time for cabs to 15 minutes, instead of 10 minutes.
