Online petition seeks rollback of new pick-up rules at Bengaluru airport

Bengaluru airport

An online petition has been launched on Change.org seeking a rollback of the recently introduced pick-up rules at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, flagging serious inconvenience to passengers- particularly senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and families travelling with heavy luggage.

The petition, started by Hareesh Amjuri, highlights concerns over Bangalore International Airport Ltd’s (BIAL) decision to restrict kerbside pick-ups near the terminal to select aggregator cabs, while directing all other taxis and non-private vehicles to the P4 parking area at Terminal 1.

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According to BIAL officials, only authorised taxi operators-KSTDC, Mega, Uber, Uber Black, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM Electric Cabs and WTI-are permitted kerbside pick-up. Under the revised system, several app-based and “non-official” taxi services have been shifted to designated parking areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The change has significantly increased the walking distance for arriving passengers. Earlier, pick-up points were located about 100 metres from the arrival gates. Under the new arrangement, passengers are now required to walk close to a kilometre or spend up to 20 minutes reaching their vehicles, the petition states.

“The decision overlooks passenger comfort and accessibility,” the petition says, adding that the new layout poses particular difficulties for elderly travellers, children, pregnant women and passengers with mobility challenges, especially after long-haul flights.

The petition urges airport authorities to reopen the earlier pick-up areas closer to the arrival terminals, arguing that airports should prioritise convenience and ease of movement for all users.

Calling for a more inclusive and practical solution, the petition appeals to Kempegowda International Airport authorities to reconsider the policy and restore pick-up points that are accessible to a wider section of passengers, stating that this would improve the overall airport experience while addressing mobility and accessibility concerns.

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