A long-haul flight home usually ends in quiet relief. For celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, it ended with a question—should high-traffic public spaces like airports still rely on carpets that may compromise health? His observation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has since struck a chord with travellers nationwide.
Khanna shared a photograph of the airport carpet on social media during his recent arrival from New York, describing it as “beyond cleaning.” While appreciating the airport’s efficiency and overall management, he expressed concern that heavily used carpets can trap dust, allergens, and pollutants, making them unsuitable for spaces that see thousands of passengers daily.
The Michelin-starred chef warned that such conditions could be particularly dangerous for people suffering from asthma, bronchial issues, and other respiratory problems. He urged airport authorities to reconsider the use of carpets in favour of cleaner, easier-to-maintain flooring, saying his request was made on behalf of vulnerable travellers.
Khanna’s post quickly gained traction, with frequent flyers and social media users echoing his concerns. Many shared personal experiences of discomfort in crowded airports and pointed out that hygiene in public spaces directly affects travel comfort, especially for children, senior citizens, and those with health sensitivities.
Responding to the attention, Mumbai airport authorities acknowledged the concern and stated that the matter had been forwarded to the relevant teams. The airport assured that passenger comfort and health remain a priority and that appropriate corrective measures, including cleaning and review of the issue, would be undertaken.
The episode has since opened up a broader lifestyle conversation around travel wellness, airport design, and the need for health-friendly infrastructure in busy transit hubs.
Beyond the carpet lies a larger point: modern travel is not just about speed and scale, but sensitivity. As millions pass through airports each day, small design choices can quietly shape comfort, safety, and first impressions—reminding us that wellness, even in transit, truly matters.
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