Sachin Walls
Mumbai Airport has received mixed reviews. Some travellers have praised the wheelchair assistance at the airport, calling it exceptional. However, others have criticised the airport for its chaotic parking levels, long customs lines, time-consuming baggage claim, and poor terminal cleanliness. There have also been reports of rude behaviour from staff and immigration officers, with some travellers feeling that the airport presents a poor first impression of the city and country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Poor |
| Transportation | Inconvenient |
| Parking | Chaotic |
| Cleanliness | Poor |
| Ventilation | Poor |
| Staff Behaviour | Rude |
| Scamming | Common |
| Wi-Fi | Paid |
| Pick-up | Difficult |
| Honking | Excessive |
| Security | Strict |
| Customs | Slow |
| Baggage Claim | Time-consuming |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Inconvenient transport options
Mumbai Airport has been described as "the most traveller unfriendly and inaccessible airport". The airport has been criticised for its inconvenient transport options, with difficult pickup locations and a confusing layout. The airport parking is described as "chaos", with few options for pickups and high costs. One passenger noted that they had to spend 30 minutes reaching their parents after their flight landed, as they were guided out on the main road, away from the parking area.
The airport's location is not conducive to easy transport connections. Some passengers opt to walk to the metro station or bus stop, but this can be an issue for those with luggage, particularly in Mumbai's humid weather. Autorickshaws are a popular alternative, but they can be difficult to locate, and passengers have complained about the difficulty of cabs finding the correct pickup location.
The terminal transfers within the airport have also been criticised as time-consuming and uncomfortable. One passenger noted that it took longer to transfer between terminals than their actual flight time. Another passenger commented on the lack of sufficient buses or trains to facilitate fast and smooth transfers between terminals.
The airport's accessibility has also been called into question, with passengers facing challenges when arriving or departing. For instance, passengers arriving at the airport must take elevators to the car parking area, which is only available for premium parking. This can result in long walks, especially if one's vehicle is parked in the middle or far end.
The overall consensus is that Mumbai Airport needs to improve its transport options and accessibility to provide a more seamless and convenient experience for travellers. The current state of transport options contributes to a chaotic and inconvenient first impression of the airport.
Exploring O'Hare Airport and its Mile-Long Reach
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Poor accessibility
Mumbai Airport has been described as "the most traveller unfriendly and inaccessible airport". The airport has been criticised for its poor accessibility, with complaints about the distance between the airport and the transport options outside. The airport exit is not easily accessible by car, and those with luggage have reported having to walk long distances to reach the pickup point or taxi rank. The airport parking is described as "chaotic", with a confusing layout that makes it difficult for cabs to locate passengers. One passenger reported that their parents were guided out to the main road by security/staff, and they then had to spend 30 minutes trying to reach them.
The airport's transport options are also limited, with some passengers opting to walk 1km to the metro or take an autorickshaw to cut down on transport costs and time. The metro has also been criticised for not being routed properly, which causes further problems for travellers. The airport's coach service has also been described as "horrendous", with passengers reporting that it takes longer to transfer between terminals than it does to fly to Mumbai.
The airport's layout has also been criticised, with reports of a confusing arrival process, including poorly managed ingress and egress, a cordoned-off bus stop area, and cramped conditions. The airport has also been described as lacking proper ventilation, with poor air conditioning that makes the airport feel like a "sweatshop".
The airport's Wi-Fi has also been a source of frustration for travellers, with reports of deliberate inconvenience for international passengers due to the requirement of a PIN and phone number to access the Wi-Fi, which only lasts for 45 minutes. This has caused issues for passengers trying to contact their hotels or drivers upon arrival.
Deleting Duplicate Airports in P3D: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scamming and looting
Mumbai Airport has been described as a hub of scams, systematic loot, and fleecing of passengers. There are several reports of travellers being scammed by taxi drivers outside the airport. In one instance, a passenger was charged Rs 2,800 for a short cab ride from the airport, with the driver using a fake app to inflate the fare. Another common scam involves drivers claiming they need fuel midway through a journey and demanding payment for it, especially targeting women travelling alone. Some travellers have also reported issues with the airport's facilities, such as poor ventilation, long customs lines, and a lack of ground staff to provide assistance.
To avoid taxi scams, it is recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola, or to book a cab from a prepaid counter at a fixed fare. It is also important to verify the legitimacy of apps and drivers and be aware of approximate fares to prevent overcharging. In the case of being overcharged, it is advised to report the issue to the police or airport authorities.
Another scam to be aware of is the airport lounge scam, where individuals are instructed to download an app for facial recognition, which is then used to access their personal information and withdraw money from their accounts. Currency exchange scams are also common, so it is important to check current exchange rates and inquire about additional fees.
Mumbai Airport has also been criticised for its chaotic parking levels and pickup system. Travellers have reported issues with locating their ride and navigating the airport's complex exit process. The airport's management has been described as a mess, presenting a poor first impression of the city and country.
In addition to scams targeting travellers, there have been reports of larger-scale scams involving airport operations and authorities. In one instance, promoters of the GVK group were accused of diverting funds meant for the modernisation and maintenance of Mumbai Airport through a joint venture. In another incident, a key accused in a betting app case was detained at the airport, allegedly assisting promoters in opening questionable bank accounts to divert scam money. These issues highlight the diverse range of scams and looting practices associated with Mumbai Airport.
Exploring the Gates of Charlottesville Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rude and unhelpful staff
The inefficiency of the staff at Mumbai Airport has also been criticised. One review mentions that the staff were unable to locate the user's cab, and another states that it took 30 minutes to reach their parents after their flight landed because security and staff guided them to the wrong exit. The inefficiency of the staff is also reflected in the long customs lines and time-consuming baggage claim processes mentioned in the reviews.
The staff at Mumbai Airport have also been described as dishonest. One review mentions that staff force visitors to enter the airport parking and pay an excessive amount to drive by. Another review describes the airport as a "hub of scam, systematic loot, and fleecing of passengers", referring to the deliberate inconvenience caused by the airport's Wi-Fi system, which requires a payment after 45 minutes of use.
Overall, the staff at Mumbai Airport have been characterised as rude, unhelpful, inefficient, and dishonest, which has greatly contributed to the negative experience of many travellers.
Amsterdam Airport: All You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lack of cleanliness
Mumbai Airport has received numerous complaints regarding its lack of cleanliness and hygiene. The terminal exterior is reportedly dirty due to broken wall tiles near the elevators, stray animals, defaced walls, and poor ventilation. The airport has also been described as having a "dark ambiance" and a chaotic parking area, with issues such as cramped arrival areas and challenging egress and ingress.
The cleanliness of Mumbai Airport has been a significant concern for passengers. The exterior of the terminals has been criticized for its uncleanliness due to issues such as broken wall tiles near the elevators, giving an unkempt appearance to the facility. In addition, the presence of stray animals within the terminal adds to the perception of a lack of hygiene and sanitation.
Defaced walls, particularly those stained by paan, further contribute to the impression of neglect and a lack of maintenance. The airport's ventilation system has also been criticized, with reports of inadequate cooling even during winter, resulting in an uncomfortable environment for travelers and staff. The poor air conditioning adds to the overall sense of disarray and mismanagement within the airport.
The parking areas at Mumbai Airport have also been a source of frustration for many travelers. The parking levels have been described as chaotic and poorly designed, making it challenging for passengers to locate their rides or be located by their drivers. The overall ambiance of the airport has been characterized as "dark," with cramped arrival areas and inefficient ingress and egress, further exacerbating the sense of disorder.
The lack of cleanliness and hygiene at Mumbai Airport extends beyond the physical infrastructure. Reports of scamming and systematic looting of passengers, including issues with accessing free Wi-Fi, contribute to a perception of the airport as a hub of dishonesty and exploitation. The combination of physical uncleanliness and unethical practices creates a negative impression of the airport and, by extension, the city and country it represents.
To address these concerns, the airport authorities should prioritize improving cleanliness and hygiene standards. This includes regular maintenance and cleaning of the terminal exteriors, implementing measures to prevent defacement and address issues like stray animals promptly. Improving ventilation and addressing issues with the air conditioning system can also enhance the overall environment within the airport. Additionally, reevaluating the parking area layout and improving wayfinding can alleviate the chaos and confusion currently experienced by passengers. By taking these steps, Mumbai Airport can provide a more welcoming, efficient, and hygienic experience for travelers.
Chicago Airport: Strict Immigration Rules and Regulations
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mumbai airport has been criticised for its lack of accessible transportation. There is no option to be picked up by car, and those arriving at the airport are forced to enter the airport parking and pay a fee. One reviewer noted that it is "literally a mess at [the] airport".
Reviews of Mumbai airport's accessibility for elderly or disabled passengers have been mixed. One reviewer praised the wheelchair assistance offered to their parents, stating that it was "exceptional". However, another reviewer noted that there was no ground staff to supervise and assist passengers at customs control.
Several reviews have criticised the behaviour of staff at Mumbai airport, with some describing them as "rude". One reviewer noted that there was no "how may I help you" counter, while another claimed that an airport official did not punish a family who cut into the handicapped line.
