Passengers brace for delays as taxi drivers protest at Bengaluru airport today

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Thousands of passengers travelling to and from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, may face inconvenience today as airport taxi drivers, backed by Kannada organisations, have announced a protest against a newly introduced fine policy.

According to a report by News18, the agitation is expected to disrupt taxi services and traffic on key airport-bound routes, particularly near the Sadahalli toll gate. Taxi unions have warned that pick-up services from the airport may be suspended during the protest, potentially affecting last-mile connectivity for passengers.

Why taxi drivers are protesting

The protest stems from a new fine policy introduced by Bengaluru airport authorities to regulate vehicle movement and ease congestion around pick-up and drop-off zones. Under the revised rules, yellow board commercial vehicles are allowed to wait free of charge for up to eight minutes.

Vehicles parked for 8–13 minutes are fined Rs 150, while those waiting between 13–18 minutes face a penalty of Rs 300. Authorities also have the power to tow vehicles found violating parking norms.

Airport officials say the policy is aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing bottlenecks near terminal areas. However, taxi drivers argue that the time limits fail to account for real-world delays faced by passengers.

‘Unfair and unworkable’, say drivers

Taxi drivers say they are being penalised for delays beyond their control, including long security queues, baggage delays, flight disruptions and passengers unfamiliar with terminal layouts. Many drivers claim that after fuel costs, toll fees and aggregator commissions, the fines make airport trips financially unsustainable.

Kannada organisations supporting the protest have said the policy threatens the livelihood of local drivers and should be withdrawn or revised.

Toll gate blockade planned

As part of the protest, drivers have announced plans to block the Sadahalli toll gate, a crucial access point to the airport. Hundreds of drivers are expected to participate, which could slow or temporarily halt traffic on the airport road.

Protesters are demanding that the fine policy for yellow board vehicles be scrapped and that waiting-time rules be revised to reflect on-ground realities.

What passengers should know

With taxi services likely to be disrupted and traffic congestion expected near protest sites, passengers have been advised to plan their airport journeys with additional buffer time. Authorities recommend using BMTC airport buses, private vehicles, or arranging drop-offs in advance.

While officials are expected to manage traffic as the situation unfolds, disruptions may continue until the standoff between taxi unions and airport management is resolved.

For now, Bengaluru’s airport-bound commuters are being urged to stay alert and plan accordingly.