Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first airport in India to receive Level-2 Accreditation under the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme. Airport authorities announced the recognition on Thursday, stating that the certification reflects the airport’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive environment for all travellers.
A step towards inclusive travel
The ACI’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme is the only international initiative dedicated exclusively to assessing and improving accessibility at airports. It evaluates how airports accommodate passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, and other special needs.
While Level-1 accreditation recognises airports for developing accessibility policies and initial measures, Level-2 accreditation signifies that an airport has gone beyond compliance. It acknowledges consistent implementation of accessibility initiatives, measurable improvements, and staff training that directly benefit passengers.
Kempegowda International Airport’s achievement places it among a select group of global airports acknowledged for their accessibility standards, and it sets a new benchmark for the Indian aviation sector.
Accessibility measures at BLR Airport
Airport authorities outlined several initiatives that contributed to this recognition. These include:
- Wheelchair-friendly pathways and infrastructure throughout the terminals
- Dedicated counters for passengers with reduced mobility
- Accessible washrooms, lifts, and boarding gates designed as per international standards
- Special assistance services available round the clock
- Training programmes for airport staff to sensitise them to the needs of passengers with disabilities
- Availability of assistive devices and priority boarding facilities
Officials said these steps are part of the airport’s broader commitment to ensuring that every passenger, regardless of ability, can travel with dignity and comfort.
Significance for Indian aviation
The recognition has been hailed as a moment of pride not just for Bengaluru but for the entire country. Accessibility in public spaces, including transport hubs, has often been seen as an area needing improvement in India. By achieving ACI Level-2 accreditation, Kempegowda International Airport has demonstrated how international standards can be successfully adopted in the Indian context.
An airport spokesperson said: “This recognition is testimony to our vision of offering a seamless travel experience to every passenger. We are committed to improving our facilities and services further, and this achievement motivates us to continue moving towards higher levels of accessibility.”
Global standards and compliance
The ACI programme is aligned with international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It encourages airports to ensure accessibility not just in infrastructure but also in operations, customer service, and long-term planning.
By meeting these standards, Kempegowda International Airport has joined an exclusive group of airports worldwide that prioritise inclusivity as part of their core services. Industry experts believe the development could influence other Indian airports to adopt similar initiatives, thereby raising the overall quality of aviation services in the country.
Looking ahead
With Level-2 accreditation achieved, BLR Airport is expected to continue strengthening its accessibility roadmap. Higher levels of the programme focus on continuous improvement, advanced technologies, and inclusive policies that go beyond physical infrastructure.
Experts point out that implementing smart technologies such as navigation apps for visually impaired passengers, real-time assistance through AI-driven kiosks, and expanded training programmes for airport personnel could be the next steps for Indian airports aiming to meet global benchmarks.
Conclusion
Kempegowda International Airport’s recognition as the first in India to achieve Level-2 Accreditation under ACI’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme marks a turning point in the nation’s aviation journey. By placing accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of its operations, the airport has not only raised the bar for Indian aviation but also set an example for other transport hubs across the country. The recognition reinforces the message that air travel should be comfortable and accessible for every passenger, without exception.