Waiting longer than usual for your luggage at Changi? Blame the heightened lightning risk
A "lightning cube" is placed on the baggage claim belt to inform passengers of a delay due to lightning risks. Photo: CAG
SINGAPORE — Be prepared for delays at the baggage claim areas in the coming weeks, as ground handlers exercise caution in the face of increased lightning risks during the monsoon season, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a statement on Monday (Dec 4).
There were 24 rainy days last month, well above its long-term average of 18 days of rain. This resulted in a nearly threefold increase in the frequency of baggage delivery delays, from an average of 78 cases per month to 225 cases in November, out of the 14,971 arrival flights that month.
Under normal weather conditions, most passengers get their bags within 35 minutes after the aircraft is parked.
In the event of luggage delays, public announcements would be made at regular intervals while messages would be displayed on the screens at the baggage claim belts serving the affected flights.
“Lightning cubes” - a waist-high signage alerting passengers of luggage delays due to lightning storms - would also be placed on the belts servings the affected flights. This new feature is currently on trial at Terminal 3 and could be rolled out to other terminals in future, CAG said.
Affected passengers will be offered refreshments such as bottled water, canned coffee, packet Milo and biscuits while they wait. CAG said it has also upgraded the waiting area near the baggage claim halls of Terminals 2 and 3, turning them into “arrival lounges” equipped with WiFi and electrical points for passengers waiting for their bags.
In extreme cases where the wait is expected to be long, some airlines would provide complimentary deliveries for passengers who decide to head home or to their hotel first, CAG added.
According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore has one of the highest occurrences of lightning activity in the world. Singapore experiences nearly 170 thunderstorm days a year.
As ground handlers work in the open, they are susceptible to rain and lightning during the unloading process, which affects their safety, CAG said. The lightning risk may also occur in dry weather.
Lightning may also cause static electric discharge, which can be dangerous for workers standing close to the aircraft and not in contact with any object.
Since 2015, CAG has implemented enhanced lightning protection measures for its ground staff, resulting in only two lightning-related incidents since then.
The Meteorological Service Singapore said on Nov 30 that rainfall is expected to be “well above normal” for the first two weeks of December, with moderate to heavy short-duration thundery showers expected in the afternoon and evening for five or six days.
