BENGALURU: From electronic gadgets to government documents, the items left behind by forgetful passengers are increasing at the Kempegowda International Airport Statistics from the lost and found department at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) revealed that passengers misplaced as many as 20,413 items during 2017-18, up from 9,280 in 2011-12, 10,805 in 2014-15 and 20,413 in 2017-18.The rise is also attributed to the increase in the passenger traffic at KIA: from 1.27 crore in 2011-12 to 2.69 crore in 2017-18. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA, said these items were either forgotten at the airport or were prohibited articles surrendered to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)Of the total 20,413 items, 5,686 (27%) were handed over to the original owners, while 7,153 items — mostly perishable goods — were disposed.Electronic items accounted for 2,492 units including 594 general items, 485 watches/pens, 367 mobile phones and accessories, 37 laptops, 29 tabs/iPads and seven cameras. Other items include bags, apparel, medical accessories, kitchen appliances, travel accessories, sunglasses, tools and toys."Items that remain unclaimed for a period of 90 days are either given to charity or auctioned to the staff on the Bengaluru airport campus" said a BIAL spokesperson."Articles such as electronic gadgets and government-issued documents are retained for three months from the date of receipt. After the retention period, government documents are returned to the respective government departments. Indian passports are shipped to the Regional Passport Office, while foreign passports are sent to the respective embassies after a 30 day-retention period. Bank documents such as credit/debit cards, cheque books and pass books are disposed after 72 hours, while perishables such as food are disposed of in 24 hours” said a statement from BIAL on Monday.“With passenger movement on an upswing, we have seen a proportionate surge in lost articles at the Bengaluru airport.” said Javed Malik, Chief Operating Officer (COO), BIAL. “All details of the items found in the airport are uploaded on the airport website regularly in the 'lost and found' section, along with the procedure to claim their belongings” he adds. Passengers at the Bengaluru airport can call 080-6678 2257, +918066782257 or mail at lostandfound@bialairport.com or visit the L&F Department to claim lost articles.

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