Airport baggage weighing practices in India are facing government scrutiny following complaints about inconsistent weight readings and disputed excess-baggage charges. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is examining concerns raised over the accuracy of weighing machines used at airports.
The issue came to attention after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade wrote to Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan seeking a nationwide audit of airport weighing machines and the installation of independent reference scales for passengers.
In his letter dated September 27, Gopchade called for accurate and independently verified baggage weighing to protect air travellers from disputed excess-baggage charges. The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged receipt of the letter on October 5.
According to sources cited in the report, the aviation ministry is now looking into the concerns raised by the MP. However, the supplied report does not confirm whether a nationwide audit has been formally ordered or whether new passenger verification measures have been approved.
Accurate baggage measurement is important because airlines may levy additional fees when luggage exceeds the permitted weight limit. Disagreements over readings can create confusion for passengers, particularly when the difference affects whether extra charges apply.
A nationwide review could help establish whether airport weighing equipment is properly calibrated and whether passengers have a reliable way to verify disputed readings. Independent reference scales could also improve transparency at check-in counters.
Any formal changes would depend on the ministry’s review and subsequent decisions. For now, the issue has drawn attention to baggage-weighing accuracy, passenger protection and the need for transparent procedures when excess-baggage charges are applied.
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