Hyderabad: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad is witnessing heavy crowds at the departure zone, with a huge number of families and friends gathering to bid farewell to students heading abroad for their studies.
The two Telugu states have the highest number of students studying abroad, especially in the US, and the RGIA is the preferred departure point for many. The fall intake in US universities starts this month.
Passengers have had to push their way through the crowds to reach the entrance gates, likened to fans jostling for tickets at a popular movie release. Complaints from guests accompanying students are also on the rise. A similar situation occurred last August and September, prompting the airport authorities to release a statement urging passengers to limit the number of accompanying guests to avoid overcrowding.
RGIA officials told the Deccan Chronicle that adequate manpower will be deployed to ensure a seamless passenger experience. A specialised team of 'passenger service associates' will be stationed across all terminal zones to provide guidance and support. These associates are equipped to answer passenger inquiries and offer tailored assistance for those using self-check-in kiosks and self-baggage drop facilities. These services aim to minimise wait times and reduce reliance on traditional counters, the officials said.
Currently, over 7.5 lakh Indian students are studying abroad, and the number has been steadily increasing, according to an ‘Open Doors’ report. Hyderabad is leading the list for the highest number of visas granted from India, with about 30 per cent of US student visas originating from the city, followed by Mumbai and Delhi. Other popular destination countries include Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Professionals are advising students to take certain precautions before departure.
According to Johnson of Nebo Overseas Education Consultancy, "Students should carry all necessary documents, especially financial documents like loan letters, savings account balances for tuition fees and living expenses, and all academic documents."
