The Airports Authority of India opened an extended portion of the security hold area of the Bagdogra airport for passengers on Wednesday.

Arvind Singh, the chairman of the AAI, inaugurated the facility, which would accommodate 300 more passengers, via video-conference. “So far, the security hold area could accommodate 600 passengers. With the extension, the capacity has increased to 900. It will help passengers,” said a source at the AAI.

The terminal at Bagdogra is inadequate to meet the rush of passengers.

“On one hand, the AAI pressured the state for additional land so that a new terminal and some ancillary infrastructure could be developed. On the other hand, we explored options to make optimum use of the existing building and create space for more passengers. The extension of security hold areas was one such initiative,” the source said.

The AAI had already received land for the terminal upgrade.