Friday, April 11, 2008

Delhi Airport Circa April 2008 – Maybe, just maybe, there is a world class airport waiting to emerge.


Things are starting to get a little better at Delhi Airport. Or it could be that the weather is improving. Last night getting into the airport – I did not have to wrestle my way in – nice orderly lines and no mob. The temperature was also a balmy 70 degrees…entering the airport had never been this easy. Frame of mind you say ? Possible Rama says, “Anything is possible in Delhi”.

Of course there were the same makeshift counters, the same long lines, but just a litte bit less confused.

There were the 4 of us traveling this time… we are on our way to the Technical Leadership Exchange in Orlando, Fl. 3500 leaders from IBM will gather there to share ideas on things that matter to our business. We’re sending a large contingent from India – about 30 people.

We make it through immigration and customs and we head to the gate. – we’ve come in early – its less crowded as usual – but it still takes a while to find 4 seats together. The 4 of us flip open our laptops and get to work!!!!!!! You can spot a group of IBMers anywhere.

AA calls our flight – so I head to the gate – and I am told that they are only pre-screening the people way in the back of the plane. They won’t be allowed to board till the crew actually arrives. The crew arrived 60 mins later!!!! My colleagues spent 45 mins on the jet bridge waiting to be allowed to board.

For once – I was the very last person to board the aircraft. And when I got in I found someone optimistically occupying my aisle seat. I watched him pick up his stuff and move !! And only a tiny part of me felt sorry for him having to pack his long legs in the window seat.

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