Going to Bengaluru airport today? Delays expected due to taxi protests. Bengaluru-News News

Thousands of passengers travel to and from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru every day and rely heavily on taxi services for last-mile connectivity. Today, many of them may face inconvenience as airport taxi drivers and Kannada organizations have announced protests against the newly introduced fine policy at the airport.

The agitation is likely to disrupt traffic and taxi services on the routes leading to the airport, especially around the Sadahalli toll gate. The protest comes in response to the fine imposed on yellow boarded commercial vehicles for waiting for long periods near airport pick-up and drop-off zones.

What caused the protest?

Bengaluru airport authorities recently launched a new penalty policy aimed at regulating vehicle movement and reducing crowding in designated parking and waiting areas. Under the policy, vehicles with yellow boards, including airport taxis, are allowed to wait only for a limited period before being fined.

According to the new rule, taxis can wait for 8 minutes in the designated zone without any charges. If a vehicle remains parked for 8 to 13 minutes, a fine of Rs 150 is imposed. The fine increases to Rs 300 for vehicles stopping between 13 and 18 minutes. The policy also allows officials to tow vehicles that are considered negligent or in violation of parking norms.

Airport officials say the policy is to ensure smooth traffic flow and discourage long stops near terminal areas. However, taxi drivers argue that this rule does not account for the real-world delays caused to passengers.

Drivers say policy hurts their livelihood

Taxi drivers have strongly protested the structure of the fine, saying it unfairly penalizes them for delays that are often beyond their control. Drivers explain that passengers may be delayed due to lengthy security checks, baggage problems, flight delays or unfamiliarity with the terminal layout.

Many drivers say that after taking into account fuel costs, toll charges and commissions paid to aggregators, the additional fine makes airport trips financially unviable. They argue that passengers being forced to pay fines for waiting has a direct impact on their daily earnings.

Kannada organizations have extended support to the drivers, saying vehicles with yellow boards should not be penalized in a way that threatens the livelihood of local drivers.

Toll gate blockade planned near Sadahalli

As part of the protests, drivers have announced plans to block the toll gate near Sadahalli, a major access point on the airport route. Hundreds of taxi drivers are expected to join the road blockade, which could slow or temporarily halt airport-bound traffic.

The protesters are demanding that the airport management withdraw the penalty policy for vehicles with yellow boards and revise the waiting time rules to reflect practical on-ground conditions.

Airport taxi services likely to be disrupted

Taxi unions have also announced that drivers will not provide pick-up services from the airport during the protest period. This could lead to a temporary shortage of taxis at the airport, forcing passengers to seek alternative transportation options.

Passengers arriving at the airport may face longer wait times, higher demand for available cabs or the need to rely on buses or private vehicles. Outbound travelers heading to the airport may also experience delays due to traffic congestion near protest areas.

What should travelers keep in mind

The protests are expected to impact both traffic flow and taxi availability, with passengers heading to the airport advised to plan their journey with additional buffer time. Using alternative transportation modes like airport buses or arranging for drop-off in advance can help avoid last-minute stress.

Authorities are expected to monitor the situation and manage traffic where possible, but disruption is expected until the problem is resolved.

an ongoing standoff

The protest highlights the growing friction between airport management policies and the operational realities faced by taxi drivers. While the airport aims to streamline vehicle movement, drivers say enforcement without flexibility risks pushing them out of airport operations altogether.

It remains to be seen whether the fine policy will be reviewed or the protests will increase further. For now, travelers heading to Bengaluru airport may need to prepare for a challenging travel day.