What feels worse after a long flight — sitting inside the aircraft or walking nearly 800 metres with heavy luggage to reach a cab? For hundreds of passengers arriving at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in recent days, the answer has been clear.
Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has rolled out a new traffic management and kerbside pick-up policy at Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). While aimed at curbing congestion, illegal parking and touting, the move has triggered widespread frustration among passengers and private cab operators.
Who can pick up at the kerb — and who cannot
Under the new system, only airport-authorised aggregator taxis are allowed direct kerbside pick-up at arrival terminals. All other private pre-booked cabs, including long-distance and outstation taxis, have been shifted to parking zones P3 and P4 — nearly 800 metres from T1.
For many travellers, this means a 15–17 minute walk after landing, navigating elevated walkways, ramps, long corridors and multiple elevators, often while hauling bulky luggage.
Senior citizens, families with young children and passengers with mobility issues say they have been hit the hardest.
Confusion, stress and tempers flaring
Monday morning saw visible chaos at both terminals. Confused passengers searched for directions, private cab drivers argued with security staff, and tempers ran high.
Several travellers complained that the policy was implemented without adequate public communication or a transition period. “My parents are elderly, and my mother has knee problems. Making them walk nearly a kilometre was extremely stressful,” said Rakesh Sharma, a first-time visitor from Jaipur.
Another passenger, Anita Fernandez, who arrived with two children from Goa, described the experience as exhausting and poorly guided.
Cab drivers say livelihoods are affected
Private and outstation cab operators say the rule has directly affected their work. Many report passengers cancelling bookings midway and switching to airport taxis simply to avoid the walk.
“Passengers are angry and take it out on us, but this isn’t our fault,” said Srinath R, a private cab operator who has serviced KIA for over a decade.
At T2, drivers face an added challenge — an eight-minute pick-up window, which many say is unrealistic during peak arrivals.
Calls for a rethink grow louder
Passengers and drivers alike are urging BIAL to review the policy, improve signage, offer assisted transport for vulnerable travellers, and communicate changes more clearly.
As arrivals continue to struggle with long walks and confusion, many fear the experience leaves a poor first impression of Bengaluru — a city known for its tech prowess, now facing criticism for airport accessibility.