Passengers at Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk are experiencing long queues and wait times at passport control, leading to frustration and discomfort. The lines for passport control begin even before passengers enter the terminal, and can last for over an hour. This has raised concerns about the efficiency and capacity of the airport's passport control system.
One passenger described the situation as uncomfortable, with no heating available in the waiting area. Another passenger froze during a bus journey due to the lack of heating in the vehicle. These issues, combined with the lengthy queues, have made the experience of traveling through Tolmachevo Airport unpleasant for many passengers.
An expert explained that the main reason for the long queues is the lack of sufficient passport control booths. Although the airport could theoretically increase the number of booths, there are limitations due to space constraints. Additionally, the arrivals and departures of multiple flights at similar times contribute to the congestion at passport control.
Automated passport control stations could potentially help alleviate the problem by speeding up the process. However, the expert pointed out that the effectiveness of such systems depends on passengers using them correctly, and they may not necessarily lead to faster processing times.
In the meantime, passengers are advised to expect delays and crowded conditions at passport control in Tolmachevo Airport. The airport has not yet provided a solution to address the issue. It is suggested that passengers choose alternative airports or means of transportation to avoid the long waits at passport control.
