Bengaluru airport ‘overstay charges’ kick in from today

Bengaluru airport

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BIAL) will start slapping an “overstay charge” on private vehicles from December 11.

The rules, which mandate a fee for private vehicles that stay more than eight minutes in the arrival pick-up zones, were to come into effect on December 8 but were put off due to the IndiGo crisis.

“Following the stabilisation of the recent flight disruptions, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru will proceed with the implementation of the new pickup measures and overstay charges at the arrival kerbsides, effective December 11 at Terminal 2 and December 13 at Terminal 1,” a BIAL spokesperson said.

“Users will be allowed eight minutes of free access — longer than international norms — after which a fee of Rs 150 will apply for waits between 8-13 minutes and Rs 300 for 13-18 minutes,” BIAL said.

Vehicles that stay for more than 18 minutes would be towed to the nearest police station and would have be pay a fine as well as towing charges.

Also read: Bengaluru airport sets 8-minute cap for private vehicles at pick-up zones; fines up to Rs 300

These measures are aimed at streamlining kerbside movement and enhance the overall experience for passengers, the spokersperson said.

This is the second time BIAL has proposed such a fee. In May 2024, protest by drivers, passenger backlash and online outrage forced it to suspend a plan to impose an entry fee for arrival pickups.

Also read: Bengaluru airport suspends entry fee levy on vehicles after outrage

Under the new system, entry into the arrival pick-up zones at Terminals 1 and 2 will remain free for all private (white-board) vehicles. However, staying beyond the allotted eight minutes will attract charges.

Commercial vehicles

All commercial vehicles, including yellow-board taxis and electric cabs, must wait only in the designated parking zones. The first 10 minutes of parking would be free. Commercial vehicles serving Terminal 1 must use the P4 and P3 parking areas, while those serving Terminal 2 should proceed to the P2 zone, BIAL added.

Also read: Eight-minute pickup cap, more cabs to enhance passenger experience at Bengaluru airport: BIAL CEO

IndiGo cancellations continues on December 11 as well, with 60 flights — 32 arrivals and 28 departures — cancelled at the airport.