Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has launched a public appeal for the immediate removal of what he describes as filthy and hazardous carpets at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The Michelin-starred chef, in a social media post on January 3, 2026, highlighted the severe respiratory risks these dirty carpets pose, especially to individuals with asthma and bronchitis.
A Plea for Passenger Health and Safety
Taking to Instagram, Vikas Khanna expressed his deep concern despite his admiration for the airport's operational efficiency. He stated that the condition of the carpets is now beyond cleaning and constitutes an unacceptable health threat. "On behalf of every asthmatic & people with bronchitis issues, I request the authorities to please look into removing this at the airports. It can lead to serious breathing issues and also be fatal," Khanna wrote in his post.
His warning comes with significant weight, as Mumbai airport is one of the busiest in the country, handling millions of passengers daily. The wall-to-wall carpets, common in many airports, can trap immense amounts of dust, allergens, and pollutants over time, especially if not cleaned meticulously and frequently.
Medical Experts Validate the Concern
Health professionals have strongly supported Chef Khanna's observations, explaining the science behind the risk. Dr. Pavan Yadav M V, Associate Director of Lung Transplantation at KIMS Hospitals in Bengaluru, described dirty public carpets as dormant reservoirs for dust and micro-allergens.
He explained that for people with respiratory conditions, the already dry air environment in airports and aircraft cabins can be challenging. Exposure to allergens from carpets can trigger immediate discomfort and potentially dangerous flare-ups. Dr. Prashant Chhajed, a senior consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, added that carpets are known to harbour dust mites, which are a major trigger for asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Essential Travel Tips for Respiratory Patients
Given the potential triggers in travel environments, doctors recommend several precautions for passengers with asthma, bronchitis, or allergies:
1. Medication Preparedness: Always carry your rescue inhaler or nebulizer within easy reach. Consult your pulmonologist for preventive medication to use before or during travel to avoid sudden attacks.
2. Use Protective Gear: Wearing a good-quality N95 or KF94 mask in the airport terminal can significantly reduce inhalation of dust and allergens.
3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drinking plenty of water keeps mucous membranes moist, which helps protect the lungs. Consuming magnesium and omega-3 rich foods, along with warm fluids, can be beneficial.
4. Practice Breathing Exercises: Techniques like pranayama can help manage stress and maintain lung function during travel.
5. Assemble a Travel Kit: Discuss and prepare a travel medicine kit with your physician, including all prescribed and as-needed medications, in case symptoms worsen during the journey.
The call from a prominent public figure like Vikas Khanna has amplified a critical public health issue within India's aviation infrastructure. It underscores the need for airport authorities to regularly assess and update hygiene protocols, particularly for elements like flooring that impact air quality and passenger well-being on a massive scale.
