Navigate

“Insane,” US Tourist Slams Delhi Airport Duty-Free Area, Calls It “Torture”; Harsh Goenka Responds

Delhi Airport

Cover Image Courtesy: @DamonZumbroegel/X

An American architect recently shared his experience at the Delhi Airport duty-free area, where he criticised the aggressive sales pitches just five feet after clearing immigration. The viral video has now sparked a debate about airport arrival experiences.

American Architect Criticises Delhi Airport Duty-Free Experience

An architect from the US, Damon Zumbroegel, posted a video showing travellers immediately finding themselves in the duty-free area, with heavy sales pressure upon entering the arrivals hall at Indira Gandhi International Airport. He wrote, “WELCOME TO INDIA? This is how one enters India in Delhi. The welcome to all visitors. Immigration…..then…..BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!”. Not even 5 feet from immigration.”

The clip showed him entering the duty-free area, where the retail staff were crowding the travellers, urging them to buy things. He even called the situation “insane” and “torture”.

The US man also mentioned that this is the first thing visitors encounter after going through a tiring immigration process. Billionaire Harsh Goenka backed the US man and wrote, “At most of our airports, as you clear immigration and walk through the duty-free area, salespeople swarm around passengers, aggressively pushing products. Surely we can do better. Let’s give passengers a dignified, hassle-free entry into our country.”

Also Read: Mumbai Airport’s Hidden Gem! This Art Installation At T2 Plays Music When You Touch The Water

Viral Video Sparks Debate Online

The video sparked a debate on the topic, and many people had differing opinions about it. One user wrote, “They don’t force you buddy, just a polite decline or a nod of the head and they will not even bother to come to you.” Another user mentioned that even airports in Australia, New Zealand and China have duty-free shops just after immigration areas.

Many people also advised him that he could simply say no and walk ahead. One X user also wrote that Delhi Airport should work on this feedback and make the experience better for visitors. Some users also wrote comments like, “It’s pure harassment; I personally experienced this,” and “This is known as aggressive marketing. Nothing too wrong.” 

Also Read: Delhi Airport Ranks 11th On Top 20 Busiest Airports List While US Airport Is First; Full List Here!

What do you think of this video? Do you think Delhi Airport should work on this?

Cover Image Courtesy: @DamonZumbroegel/X

FAQs

What’s the main Delhi airport?

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the main airport in Delhi.

What is duty-free at an airport?

Duty-free shops sell certain products without local taxes and duties.

What can we buy at duty-free at Delhi Airport?

Travellers can find products such as perfumes, cosmetics, chocolates, alcohol, and luxury goods at duty-free at Delhi Airport.

Ashmeet Guliani: Ashmeet Guliani is a Content Writer at Curly Tales with over three years of experience writing about food, travel, fashion, and lifestyle. With a B.Sc in Home Economics from the University of Delhi, her interest in reading and writing led her to pursue a career in writing. In her free time, she explores cafes, browses bookstores, listens to Hindi retro songs, and watches K-dramas!