CHENNAI: Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to make the use of aerobridges mandatory wherever they are available, citing passenger convenience and safety.

In a post on X, Chidambaram said he had noticed at the Chennai airport that several aerobridges were vacant, yet an incoming IndiGo aircraft used a ramp for disembarkation. He added that he had observed similar instances involving both IndiGo and Air India.

He said using step ladders or ramps poses difficulties for elderly passengers, those carrying infants, persons with disabilities and wheelchair users. “The convenience and safety of passengers ought to be the paramount consideration,” he wrote.

Chidambaram termed the practice of avoiding aerobridges as “false economy” and said it also delays the boarding process. He reiterated his demand that the DGCA enforce mandatory use of aerobridges whenever they are vacant and available.