PUNE: The airlines operating from the Pune airport admitted that the temporary measures taken to protect passengers from rain and sun were not up to the mark. However, they blamed the airport’s space constraints.In the absence of an adequate number of aerobridges and proper transport facility, passengers at the Pune airport are forced to walk to and from the aircraft. The airline officials said the issue of transportation has been taken up with the Airports Authority of India.An airline official, on condition of anonymity, revealed certain logistical problems. “Keeping so many umbrellas in an airport this small is a big problem. There have been times when we have had up to 400 passengers needing umbrellas at the same time. Providing umbrellas to everyone is not possible,” he said.In a statement issued by Jet Airways , a spokesperson said: “With two aerobridges operating to cater to passengers boarding aircraft parked in six parking bays, there is a constraint to provide protection from rain to all passengers. The matter has been taken up with the airline operator.”However, the Pune airport officials have put the onus of arranging for transportation on the airlines.Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar said it is the responsibility of the airport operator to make this arrangement. Umbrellas do not provide the desired protection in heavy rain, he said.Also, using umbrellas on the tarmac is not very safe, because they affect visibility. Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale (retired) said, “Walking to the aircraft with umbrellas is not recommended. Very few coaches are used in Pune, so perhaps the use of portable trolleys with rainproof awnings can be explored along with mini coaches with more standing space. Also, using aerobridges cost more, so many low-cost airlines avoid them.”

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