Sri Vijaya Puram, June 16: Passenger convenience, sustainability and community participation took centre stage at Veer Savarkar International Airport (VSI Airport) as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully organised Yatri Suvidha Diwas, bringing together travellers, airport stakeholders and partner agencies in a day-long celebration focused on improving the passenger experience.
The event, held at the airport terminal in Sri Vijaya Puram, featured a series of passenger-centric activities, environmental awareness initiatives and recognition programmes aimed at highlighting the role of airport staff and stakeholders in delivering efficient and seamless aviation services.
The celebrations commenced with a traditional Tika welcome for arriving and departing passengers, reflecting the hospitality associated with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Airport officials said the gesture was intended to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while showcasing local cultural traditions to visitors travelling through the island gateway.
Throughout the day, several initiatives were undertaken to engage passengers and promote awareness about facilities and services available at the airport. Officials also used the occasion to collect feedback from travellers, with suggestions and observations expected to contribute to future improvements in passenger service delivery.
One of the key highlights of the programme was a collective rendition of “Vande Mataram” by airport employees and representatives of various stakeholder agencies. The activity witnessed enthusiastic participation and was aimed at fostering a sense of unity and national pride among those associated with airport operations.
The event also recognised the contribution of personnel who often work behind the scenes to ensure smooth functioning of airport services. Housekeeping staff were felicitated for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring a comfortable environment for passengers using the airport.
Airport authorities noted that cleanliness and passenger comfort remain critical components of service quality, particularly as passenger traffic through the islands continues to grow. The recognition programme highlighted the role played by frontline support staff in maintaining operational standards and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Special appreciation was also extended to women professionals serving across different sectors of the aviation ecosystem. Representatives from airlines, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), police departments and other stakeholder agencies were acknowledged for their contribution to the functioning and development of the aviation sector in the islands.
In line with the airport’s sustainability goals, the programme showcased a range of environmental initiatives being implemented at the facility. These included energy conservation measures, tree plantation activities and awareness campaigns focused on sustainable practices.
Selfie points highlighting environmental themes were set up within the airport premises and attracted participation from passengers and visitors throughout the day. Officials said the initiative was designed to encourage greater public engagement with sustainability efforts while promoting awareness in an interactive manner.
The focus on environmental stewardship reflects a broader trend within the aviation sector, where airports are increasingly adopting measures to reduce their environmental footprint and support sustainable development goals. As a key transportation hub for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, VSI Airport has been promoting initiatives aimed at balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Passenger feedback collected during the programme indicated appreciation for various facilities and services available at the airport. Airport officials stated that the suggestions received would be carefully reviewed and incorporated wherever feasible to further enhance convenience and service standards.
The event also provided an opportunity for coordination among different agencies involved in airport operations, reinforcing the collaborative approach required to maintain safe and efficient aviation services.
Concluding the programme, airport authorities expressed gratitude to passengers, stakeholder agencies, media representatives and support staff for contributing to the success of Yatri Suvidha Diwas. Officials reiterated their commitment to delivering safe, seamless and sustainable airport services while continuing efforts to improve passenger satisfaction and operational excellence.
With passenger expectations evolving and traffic volumes steadily increasing, initiatives such as Yatri Suvidha Diwas are increasingly being used by airports across the country to engage travellers directly and strengthen service delivery through continuous feedback and stakeholder participation.
