A viral post on social media has ignited a fiery debate over the language policy at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru. A user shared a clip showing flight information boards in just Kannada and English, applauding the apparent exclusion of Hindi and calling it a victory against “Hindi imposition.”

The post claimed Hindi had been removed, aligning with the “two-language policy” many Kannadigas advocate. The display boards, it showed, featured only the regional and global languages—Kannada and English—prompting celebration among some locals for resisting linguistic dominance.

However, not everyone shared the sentiment. Netizens from North India criticized the exclusion, arguing that many travelers are unfamiliar with Kannada or English and rely on Hindi for navigation. One user asked, “Would we find Kannada at Delhi airport?” Another remarked that while resisting Hindi pressure is valid, removing it entirely at crucial transport hubs was counterproductive and unfriendly to travelers.

In response to the uproar, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) clarified that no such change had occurred. They reaffirmed that flight info continues in Kannada and English, while navigational signs across terminals still include Hindi.

This language controversy comes amid increasing efforts by pro-Kannada groups to assert regional identity. Recent years have seen incidents where Hindi speakers faced hostility, with reports of cab refusals, inflated prices for non-Kannada speakers, and vandalized signboards.

The conversation highlights ongoing tensions between preserving linguistic pride and ensuring inclusivity in public spaces.