The opening of the city’s new airport terminal suffered a minor glitch after taxi drivers decided to stay away from the premises, inconveniencing hundreds of passengers who arrived yesterday. Miffed at not being given a prior tour of the terminal or shown the parking arrangements, the drivers chose not to arrive at the airport’s taxi parking level.

The Air India aircraft from Singapore landed to a water-gun salute followed by a traditional Indian welcome for the passengers with a tikka and a rose bud. After clearing immigrations and customs, they were greeted at the arrival lounge with traditional Maharashtrian music. A team representing GVK/MIAL presented the passengers with goodie bags. Permanent baggage tags specially created for the occasion, bearing the message 'First to experience T2', were distributed to all passengers. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi