Taxi drivers operating at Mangaluru International Airport are facing a severe drop in income after international flight disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia reduced passenger arrivals for more than 10 days.

Members of the Airport Tourist and Taxi Drivers’ Association say the slowdown has significantly affected their livelihoods, as most drivers depend heavily on international passengers for regular bookings.

Taxi bookings fall sharply

According to the association, around 180 prepaid taxis, including 10 to 15 SUVs, are registered at the airport.

Association president Jayanth Suvarna said domestic passenger traffic alone is not sufficient to sustain the airport taxi operators.

Drivers typically receive two to three trips a day under normal circumstances. However, since international flight operations were disrupted, many drivers are getting only one trip a day, while some receive no bookings at all.

The disruption has come at a time when taxi operators usually expect increased travel demand during Ramadan, when many passengers travel to and from the region.

Drivers wait long hours for passengers

Veteran driver Walter Pereira, who has been working at the airport for two decades, said the last 10 days have been particularly difficult.

Under normal conditions, drivers could expect several bookings a day. But with fewer international arrivals, taxis remain parked for long periods.

Out of the 180 taxis operating at the airport, around 140 drivers managed to get at least one trip daily, while several others returned home without any bookings.

Some younger drivers reportedly stayed late into the night hoping to secure additional passengers, but many ended their shifts without a second ride.

Competition and seasonal slowdown add pressure

Taxi operators say the current crisis has added to existing challenges, including competition from app-based taxi aggregators.

Drivers also pointed out that travel demand outside the airport has remained weak because school and college examinations are underway, the wedding season has not yet begun, and Ramadan fasting has reduced local travel.

Meanwhile, operational expenses such as fuel costs, vehicle maintenance and loan repayments continue regardless of the drop in bookings.

Currently, sedan taxi drivers charge around ₹800 for a trip from the airport to the city, while SUV fares are approximately ₹1,400.

Drivers say they hope international flight services resume soon, as their income depends largely on steady passenger traffic at the airport.