The 14 Hybrid Self Bag Drop (SBD) counters initiative aims to optimise terminal space, increase baggage processing capacity and enhance flexibility in managing fluctuating passenger volumes across peak and off-peak periods.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Mumbai: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has opened 14 Hybrid Self Bag Drop (SBD) counters at Terminal 2 (T2), marking a key step in strengthening departure processing through technology-led solutions.
The introduction of Hybrid SBD counters forms part of CSMIA’s phased plan to transition all 212 existing check-in desks at T2 to a hybrid format by 2028. The initiative aims to optimise terminal space, increase baggage processing capacity and enhance flexibility in managing fluctuating passenger volumes across peak and off-peak periods.
The rollout follows a significant rise in the adoption of self-service baggage facilities at the airport. Autonomous SBD usage increased by 40 per cent, from 388,446 passengers in calendar year 2024 to 560,275 passengers in calendar year 2025, highlighting the need for scalable infrastructure to support faster and more seamless passenger processing.
By integrating check-in and baggage drop into a single processing flow, the Hybrid SBD counters minimise manual intervention and reduces passenger wait time. The system also enables eligible passengers to complete baggage-related payment transactions at the same counter, streamlining processing and reducing reliance on separate airline desks.
In self-service mode, a single Hybrid SBD counter can process approximately 100 to 120 passengers per hour, compared to 25 to 30 passengers per hour through conventional manual processing, resulting in a nearly four-fold increase in baggage handling capacity. This improvement supports faster baggage acceptance, smoother passenger movement and more efficient use of terminal infrastructure.
Each Hybrid SBD counter is designed for operational flexibility and can be switched between manual and self-service modes through a simple mechanism, allowing airport and airline teams to balance personalised assistance with efficiency based on operational requirements.
Commenting on the development, a CSMIA spokesperson said, “Baggage processing is a critical touchpoint in the departure journey. With rising passenger volumes, CSMIA is undertaking a phased transformation of its check-in and baggage drop infrastructure to enhance efficiency while retaining flexibility. Hybrid Self Bag Drop counters allow us to scale capacity in line with demand, while continuing to support passengers who require assisted services.”
Currently, IndiGo and Air India have opted to deploy the Hybrid SBD system at T2. International airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Qatar, Swiss and KLM are using the existing autonomous SBD facility, with migration to the Hybrid SBD platform underway.