Kolkata: Kolkata airport authorities deployed additional housekeeping personnel and launched a deep-cleaning drive at smoking rooms inside the terminal following complaints from passengers about clogged facilities and poor upkeep.The issue came to light on Monday night after a flyer, Syed Ramiz Zafar posted photographs and a video on X, tagging Kolkata airport and highlighting what he described as the “pathetic condition” of a smoking lounge. He alleged that the facility appeared not to have been cleaned for months and warned that the accumulated waste could pose a safety risk.Airport authorities responded on Tuesday morning, posting photographs of the ongoing cleaning operation on X. “We regret the inconvenience caused. Housekeeping and maintenance teams have been alerted for urgent cleaning and upkeep. A physical inspection is being carried out and corrective action will be ensured on priority to avoid recurrence,” the airport said in its response.“Passenger safety and comfort are our priority. We have instructed the housekeeping and maintenance teams to ensure that such issues are addressed promptly and do not recur,” a senior official said.Officials said housekeeping and cleaning services at Kolkata airport are outsourced to private agencies through managed facility tenders and are monitored by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Agencies are responsible for deployment of housekeeping personnel, shift-level monitoring and prescribed deep-cleaning protocols in coordination with airport management.The airport has also recently tightened monitoring of contractual workers, with biometric attendance systems being used to track shifts and curb absenteeism. “The tighter supervision and monitoring had helped improve terminal hygiene and reduce passenger complaints relating to washrooms and other sanitation facilities,” the official said. The development was also evident in the latest passenger satisfaction survey conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports.
