Bengaluru airport pick-up rules spark backlash: Rapido, Namma Yatri warn of longer walks and higher fares

Ride-hailing aggregators Rapido and Namma Yatri on December 18 raised concerns over Bengaluru airport’s new arrivals pick-up system, saying it could lead to higher fares, hurt passenger convenience, and favour only a few operators.

“The recent changes to pickup access at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) for non-mandated services risk affecting passenger convenience and choice. Restrictions that force commuters to walk longer distances, navigate unclear pickup points, or limit available mobility options can create friction at the terminal and, over time, contribute to higher fares across the ecosystem, particularly for airport travel,” a Rapido spokesperson said.

Also, read: Bengaluru airport’s new pick-up rules affect Rapido, Namma Yatri, Shoffr and others

A Namma Yatri spokesperson echoed similar concerns, saying the new rules make arrivals more difficult for passengers travelling with luggage, children or elderly family members. “Namma Yatri fully supports the airport’s goal of safe and orderly traffic management, but the solution must be fair and practical- clear, nearby pickup points for all passengers, with no distinction between different categories of cabs or apps. The current model ends up favouring a few players over others,” the spokesperson said.

Calling for a level playing field, the Namma Yatri spokesperson said this was essential to protect passenger convenience and safeguard the earnings of thousands of drivers and small fleet owners.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) began levying an ‘overstay charge’ on private and commercial vehicles from December 11 at Terminal 2 and from December 13 at Terminal 1. Under the new arrivals pick-up system, only authorised taxi operators such as KSTDC, Mega, Uber, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM Electric Cabs and WTI are permitted kerbside access, while others must wait in designated parking areas.

BIAL-authorised cab operators pay annual charges to BIAL for access to dedicated parking bays, which contributes to higher fares compared to other services. For instance, Uber typically levies an airport access charge of around Rs 250 per airport ride, along with a toll charge of about Rs 120, both of which are billed to customers.

Moneycontrol had reported on the issue in a story titled ‘Bengaluru airport’s new pick-up rules affect Rapido, Namma Yatri, Shoffr and others’ on December 17.

“Airports are high-demand public infrastructure, and commuter convenience-especially for elderly passengers, families, frequent flyers and airport staff-must remain the central priority. Seamless and predictable terminal access is critical to ensuring a safe, efficient and stress-free travel experience,” Rapido said.

“These changes also affect captains (drivers) who rely on airport trips for steady and dignified earnings. Unequal or limited access reduces ride opportunities, increases idle time, and directly impacts daily incomes, particularly for captains who plan their working hours around airport demand,” the company added.

“Rapido will continue to focus on delivering reliable, cost-effective mobility for Bengaluru residents while supporting our captains’ livelihoods. We remain hopeful that future operational frameworks will prioritise commuter interest, captain welfare and equal access through meaningful stakeholder consultation,” it said.

“With thoughtful planning, Bengaluru can balance security and traffic flow while ensuring what matters most- a smooth, safe and affordable journey home for every traveller,” the Namma Yatri spokesperson added.

The changes have also affected individual drivers who are part of Telegram and WhatsApp groups- popularly known among cab drivers as ‘duty groups’- that offer rides without surge pricing through direct bookings, where drivers do not pay any commission or service charge to aggregators. Travel agents and hotels arranging vehicles for VIP airport pick-ups have also been impacted.

Also, read: After cab drivers’ protest, Bengaluru airport claims 95% of passengers are comfortable with new arrival pick-up system