Taxi drivers protest against new parking rules at KIA, airport authorities claim passengers okay with it

BENGALURU: Taxi drivers on Tuesday staged protest against the new parking rules at Kempegowda International Airport which was introduced from December 11. The drivers, who are part of the Bengaluru Taxi Drivers Union, claim that the rules are unfair and will cause them financial losses.

The protest, which began on Tuesday morning, led to a blockade on the road near the Sadanahalli toll gate, causing disruptions to traffic. The drivers were demanding that the airport authorities revert to the previous pickup and drop-off arrangements.

According to Ashwath, president of the Bengaluru Taxi Drivers Union, the authorities have moved the pickup point 1.5 kilometers away, making it difficult for passengers to access taxis. “The union has been requesting the authorities to restore the previous arrangement, but our pleas have been ignored”, he said.

The police have asked the drivers to give them two days to resolve the issue, and the drivers have agreed to wait. If the issue is not resolved, they will stage a hunger strike at the airport. The protest caused inconvenience to passengers, and the airport authorities are working to resolve the issue.

On Tuesday evening, the Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operates KIA, said in a statement, “The updated arrival pick-up system at Bengaluru Airport follows practices adopted at leading airports globally, and we are continuously monitoring its implementation. While transitions of this nature can encounter some resistance initially, nearly 95 per cent of passengers are currently comfortable with the new system”.

“Some genuine issues have been identified, and feedback is being addressed systematically keeping passenger experience at the centre. Progress is closely monitored to ensure the system stabilises over the next 30 days”, a spokesperson said.

“Over the years, we have received multiple complaints, including from solo women travellers, about unauthorised taxi operators coercing passengers mid-journey to pay amounts far exceeding regulated fares or leaving them stranded if demands were not met. This poses a far greater safety risk than a walk of 300–500 meters”.

“Strengthening the authorised and regulated ecosystem is therefore critical. Passengers with mobility challenges, infants, senior citizens, or wheelchair users will be supported through buggies and shuttle services. No effort or expense will be spared to enhance the experience for all passengers”, the spokesperson said.

“This is the right move from a safety standpoint. At the same time, continuous refinements will be made over the next one to two months assuring that this remains our top priority”, the spokesperson added.