Bengaluru: Trips from the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) have become noticeably costlier in recent weeks, with passengers alleging that airport-authorised aggregator platforms are charging significantly higher fares compared to other ride-hailing services.
While kerbside access at the airport has improved and initial confusion surrounding new pickup regulations has largely eased, many commuters say the real challenge begins after landing — getting back to the city at a reasonable price.
Higher fares by authorised aggregators
Passengers have pointed out that airport-authorised aggregators such as Ola Cabs, Uber, Quick Ride, WTI Cabs and Mega Cabs are quoting fares that are higher than platforms like Namma Yatri and Rapido.
Naveen Kumar (56), who recently travelled with his family of four, said he was taken aback by the fare difference while booking an SUV to JP Nagar.
“Since the closest options were Uber Black and Ola, we chose Ola as we did not want any luxury service. The SUV fare on Ola was Rs 2,227 and Uber Black was around Rs 2,000. In comparison, Namma Yatri was offering a cab at Rs 1,750, which is the usual cost,” he said.
Commuters have also observed that fares have risen over the past two months, particularly during evening peak hours.
DH reality check reveals 20% difference
A reality check conducted on Tuesday evening showed that authorised platforms such as Ola, Uber and Quick Ride were charging at least 20 per cent more than Namma Yatri and Rapido on comparable routes.
For instance, a regular cab from the airport to Indiranagar was priced at Rs 914 on Uber and Rs 836 on Ola. In contrast, Rapido quoted Rs 759 and Namma Yatri Rs 774 for the same route.
Similarly, a sedan ride to MG Road was priced at Rs 940 on Uber and Rs 887 on Ola, compared to Rs 785 on Namma Yatri and Rs 809 on Rapido.
Quick Ride, which operates premium electric vehicles, quoted Rs 1,418 to MG Road and Rs 1,301 to Indiranagar.
On Monday evening, a regular cab to RT Nagar was priced at Rs 850 on Ola and Rs 848 on Uber, while Rapido showed Rs 652. Quick Ride, WTI Cabs and Mega Cabs displayed fares ranging between Rs 1,121 and Rs 2,901 for a sedan, depending on vehicle category and availability.
Passengers also noted that neither Ola nor Uber offer non-AC cabs at the airport, limiting lower-cost options.
Companies cite demand-supply dynamics
An Uber spokesperson said there had been no change in the company’s pricing structure for airport pickups.
“Pricing is a function of demand and supply, and as one of the many players operating at the airport, we strive to offer competitive prices,” the spokesperson said.
Ola did not respond to queries regarding the fare differences.
Industry observers say airport operations often involve additional fees, designated pickup zones and regulated entry systems, which can influence pricing. However, passengers argue that the widening gap between platforms is making airport commutes increasingly expensive.
Growing concern among flyers
With air traffic steadily rising at KIA and expansion plans underway to increase passenger capacity in the coming years, commuters are calling for greater transparency in fare structures and clearer communication regarding airport surcharges.
Frequent flyers have suggested that regulatory authorities and airport operators review aggregator agreements to ensure competitive pricing and adequate lower-cost options for passengers.
As Bengaluru continues to grow as a major aviation hub, ensuring affordable last-mile connectivity remains critical. Without intervention or better price parity among platforms, passengers fear that airport travel could become an increasingly costly affair.