Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport deploys toy poodles to welcome travelers, ease anxiety

Hyderabad: Passengers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) may now be greeted not just by airport staff, but also by a group of friendly toy poodles.

As part of a newly launched Therapy Dog Program, the airport has introduced trained therapy dogs to enhance the passenger experience and provide emotional comfort while travelling.

A Calmer, Happier Terminal

According to a statement from RGIA, the program aims to “offer calming and joyful interactions” for travellers. The presence of the dogs is expected to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the emotional environment at the terminal, especially for those facing travel-related nervousness.

At this stage, four Toy Poodles, all certified therapy animals, are stationed at designated areas in the airport. Each dog is accompanied by a professional handler trained to manage both animal welfare and passenger comfort. The dogs are positioned at key touchpoints in both domestic and international departure areas.

The service is currently available from Friday to Monday, between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Passenger Response

Airport officials say the initiative has been met with strong support from the public. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs,” RGIA said in a statement. “It has been received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience.”

One passenger described the experience as unexpectedly moving:

“I was so happy to see them. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work.”

Another traveller praised the idea, saying it was “heartwarming” and “deserves appreciation,” especially as having a pet is not possible for everyone.

Safety and Consent at the Core

To ensure the comfort of all passengers, dogs are only allowed to interact with individuals who voluntarily approach them. This avoids unwanted contact and minimizes potential stress triggers. The handlers are trained to read canine behaviour and manage any unforeseen incidents, ensuring that the animals remain calm and approachable at all times.

Trial Phase with Possible Expansion

Currently in its early stages, the program may expand further based on passenger feedback and operational assessments. RGIA officials indicated they are closely monitoring the initiative to evaluate how it can be scaled effectively.

Growing Footfalls, New Touchpoints

The program comes at a time when RGIA is experiencing high foot traffic. The airport recorded 29.5 million passengers during the last financial year, making passenger experience and wellness an increasingly important area of focus.

With air travel often associated with long waits and heightened stress, RGIA’s Therapy Dog Program adds a soft touch to an otherwise functional space, while also aligning with global trends in traveller wellbeing.