BIAL defers implementation of overstay charges by a couple of days

BENGALURU: The Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which runs the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), on Monday said it has deferred implementation of the overstay charges at the arrival kerbsides of Terminal 1 and 2, by a couple of days.

“In consultation with relevant authorities, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru will now implement overstay charges at the arrival kerbsides of Terminal 1 and 2, a couple of days later than planned. We intend to wait for the recent disruptions in flight operations across the country to stabilise, which we expect to happen in a day or two. The new measures, aimed at improving the landside experience at Bengaluru Airport, will be introduced as planned at T1 and T2 arrival kerbsides. The revised effective date for implementation will be communicated within the next day or so”, a BIAL spokesperson said.

Bangalore International Airport Ltd had earlier planned to introduce ‘enhanced pick-up measures’ from December 8 onwards, “to streamline passenger movement, reduce congestion, and improve safety, discipline, and overall convenience at arrival areas”.

Prolonged waiting by private cars and cabs creates artificial congestion, hindering traffic flow and inconveniencing passengers and drivers. To address this and to improve the passenger experience, BIAL is introducing a lane segregation system to enforce discipline, prevent unauthorised parking, and reduce dwell times. This will ease kerbside congestion and deter misuse of the pick-up zone in front of the terminals.

As per the new lane segregation system, entry to the designated arrival pick-up zone in T1 and T2 will be free for all private cars (white board), however, there will be a charge for misusing or overstaying inside the zone beyond the prescribed time limits.

The airport will give 8 minutes of free use of the zone for all the users beyond which there will be charges of Rs150 for overstay from 8-13 minutes and Rs 300 for 13-18 minutes. Any vehicle overstaying beyond 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station, and applicable fines and towing charges will be levied.

All commercial vehicles, including yellow board taxis and electric cabs, are required to wait for passengers only at the designated parking zones. To facilitate a seamless pick-up experience, the first 10 minutes of parking will be complimentary. Commercial vehicles arriving at Terminal 1 should proceed to the P4 and P3 parking zones, while those serving Terminal 2 are directed to the P2 parking zone.

Hari Marar, MD & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), recently said, “With passenger traffic continuing to rise, especially during the travel season, it becomes essential to maintain discipline at pick-up zones, not as enforcement, but as a way to protect travellers, ensure orderly movement, and strengthen trust in the system. When passengers and cab operators follow the designated process, the experience becomes quicker, safer and more convenient for everyone involved. We look forward to the support of all stakeholders in making the airport experience seamless and well organised”.

In recent months, Bengaluru Airport has observed increasing instances of halts by unauthorised cabs, vehicles waiting outside arrival gates and exit ramps, or engaging in roadside pick-ups. These behaviours often result in crowding, passenger inconvenience, and avoidable delays, while also posing safety risks and disrupting traffic flow.

To ensure a smoother, and passenger-friendly experience, travellers and cab operators are encouraged to use only designated pick-up points and authorised aggregators such as Airport Taxi, Uber, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM electric cabs, and WTI cabs. Any deviation, including halting in unauthorised areas, blocking lanes, or overstaying beyond the permitted waiting duration, will attract fines, applicable to both cab operators and individuals found in violation, a press release said.