Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TVM) has denied Emirates Airline the use of its aerobridge facilities after the airline refused to share passenger manifests with airport authorities. This move affects all Emirates Boeing 777 flights operating at the airport, forcing passengers to board and disembark using stairs and shuttle buses instead of the more convenient aerobridge.
The decision impacts both economy and premium travelers, who must now navigate ground transportation between the aircraft and the terminal. According to reports from Onmanorama, the restriction stems from a disagreement over the airline’s refusal to comply with the airport’s request for passenger data.
Emirates, one of the world’s largest international carriers, operates regular services to and from Thiruvananthapuram, a key gateway for passengers traveling between India and the Middle East. The lack of aerobridge access raises concerns over passenger convenience, particularly for elderly travelers and those with limited mobility.
Airport authorities maintain that sharing passenger information is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with local regulations. However, Emirates has reportedly resisted these demands, leading to the ongoing standoff.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of airport-airline relationships in India as authorities seek greater transparency and security measures. It remains unclear whether the impasse will affect Emirates’ long-term operations at Thiruvananthapuram or whether negotiations will resolve the dispute.
Passengers traveling on Emirates flights through TVM are advised to prepare for additional time during boarding and disembarkation due to the absence of aerobridge services.
