Bengaluru Airport Defends New Pick-Up Rules as 95% Passengers Adapt Despite Driver Protests
Bengaluru airport says 95% passengers adapted to new pick-up system amid cab drivers' protest.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has come under scrutiny as hundreds of airport cab drivers staged a protest near the Sadahalli toll gate on December 16 against new parking and arrival pick-up norms. The drivers allege the rules negatively impact their livelihoods, while the airport operator maintains that passengers are adapting well to the changes.
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) claimed that nearly 95 percent of passengers are now comfortable with the updated pick-up system, which follows global airport practices. A BIAL spokesperson said the transition may encounter initial resistance but emphasized that passenger safety and convenience remain the top priority.
The airport acknowledged some issues raised by passengers and said feedback is being addressed systematically. Special provisions, such as shuttle services and buggies for senior citizens, infants, and passengers with mobility challenges, have been introduced to enhance accessibility and ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Safety concerns also played a key role in implementing the new system. BIAL cited complaints over the years regarding unauthorised taxi operators coercing passengers to pay higher fares or abandoning them mid-journey, stating that controlled pick-up zones are critical to mitigate such risks.
The cab drivers’ protest, led by the Karnataka Drivers Union, escalated to attempts to block roads, prompting police to use mild lathi charges and detain several protesters. Union president G. Narayanaswamy warned of an indefinite hunger strike if the airport does not reconsider the regulations, claiming that 15,000-25,000 local drivers depend on airport operations for their livelihood.
Under the new system, private vehicles are allowed eight minutes of free access at arrival pick-up zones, after which an “overstay charge” applies. Vehicles exceeding the limit risk fines and towing. BIAL has assured continuous monitoring and refinements over the next one to two months to stabilize the system while maintaining safety and efficiency.
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