Airport congestion

Press, 14 August 1980, Page 16

Airport congestion

Sir, — What must our overseas visitors think of our Christchurch International Airport which on the evening of July. 29 was a scene of total chaos. As a local resident returning after calling at other international airports where the services were invariably speedy and efficient it was both sad and infuriating to find such a shambles in one’s own home city. After an hour of queuing for the necessary formalities before reaching the carousel, which by this time had been unloaded. and luggage placed in various locations,' another queue was faced at the exit in order to relieve a "recycled” trolley which by then it was virtually. impossible to manoeuvre through the accumulated heaps of luggage spread all over the area. Surely those responsible can provide something better than this pathetic state of affairs. — Yours, etc., T. HARPER. July 30, 1980. [Mr R. C. Buchanan, Airport Director, Christchurch, replies: “The arrival and processing of an international flight is a team effort by airlines, Government regulating bodies, such as customs, agriculture, immigration, transport, etc, and the letter should be referred to them for comment; However, it would be obvious on Tuesday that one of the two baggage dispensers was under reconstruction, it is being lengthened, which meant the second one was required to deliver bags from over 390 passengers. To keep bags flowing into the arrival hall, as an interim measure, bags were unloaded on to the floor and suitable advisory announcements were made over the public address system. The airline isnow making an announcement on the aircraft before disembarkation explaining the problem which will persist until both baggage ' dispensers are lengthened. The baggage trolley shortage has been recognised and financial authority this’ year allows another 70 to be purchased and they are now, coming to hand. Because of space limitations these will still need to be recycled.”] > ■ ~