RGIA sees spike in valuables lost by international flyers
HYDERABAD: Passengers transiting through Rajiv Gandhi International Airport are increasingly leaving behind valuables, with international flyers accounting for nearly 80% of such cases, airport police said.
Between arrival halls, immigration counters and exit points, travellers often discover losses only after leaving the terminal. Items range from mobile phones and passports to gold ornaments, laptops and cash.
“It’s ironic how careful we are throughout the journey and lose something right at the end,” said Disha Singh, who misplaced her mobile phone near the immigration counter after returning from a vacation. “I kept track of my family’s documents but dropped my own phone in the rush,” she said.
Airport outpost police said handbags, mobile phones, passports, gold jewellery and cash are the most frequently forgotten items. Many are recovered within hours if reported early.
Some losses are recalled with lighter regret. Vidhi Agarwal, a city-based chartered accountant, said she left behind a hair straightener during security checks after multiple cab cancellations. “They told me I could collect it on my return, but it was a one-way trip,” she said.
Data from the RGIA Airport Outpost Police Station shows 28 complaints related to lost property and missing persons were registered between August and December this year. Recovered items included nine mobile phones valued at ₹8–₹10 lakh; 10 passports (seven Indian and three foreign); three gold ornaments weighing about 17.5 tolas worth ₹9–₹10 lakh; cash and foreign currency worth about ₹4.5 lakh, including $900 and 4,550 Saudi riyals; two electronic gadgets—a laptop and an iPad—valued at ₹2.5–₹3 lakh; and 11 bags containing documents and mixed valuables.
Taken together, recoveries were valued at approximately ₹27–₹30 lakh over five months.
Inspector S. Kanakaiah, in-charge of the RGIA Airport Outpost Police Station, said international arrivals account for most cases. “Passengers are eager to meet family members or exit quickly. In that hurry, they forget passport pouches, cabin bags or small valuables, or exchange similar-looking bags by mistake,” he said.
Nearly one-third of complainants realise the loss only after reaching home, police said. “Early reporting improves recovery chances,” Kanakaiah added, noting that CCTV footage, flight details, clothing descriptions and even photos taken at the airport help trace items quickly.
