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The price of a Vayu Vajra ride generally ranges between Rs 210 to Rs 410, while a cab from the airport can easily cross Rs 1000, especially during peak hours or late at night.
In terms of revenue, this amounts to a loss of around Rs 3 to 4 lakh per day. For a service that runs 156 buses on 22 routes and plays a major role in keeping airport traffic under control, the decline is significant. Image: BMTC/X
For many passengers landing in Bengaluru late at night or rushing for an early-morning flight, the routine has always been simple. Exit Terminal 1, look for the familiar blue and white Vayu Vajra bus, board and head home without burning a hole in your pocket. That routine is now being disrupted.
Commuters at the Kempegowda International Airport are facing new inconvenience as space for BMTC’s airport shuttle buses at Terminal 1 has rapidly shrunk. What was once a seamless, affordable public transportation option is now caught in a tug-of-war between accessibility and commercial priorities.
What exactly changed at Terminal 1?
Until recently, Vayu Vajra buses operated with two full rows of dedicated bays at Terminal 1, with each row having eight bays. This arrangement allowed several buses to line up together, reducing waiting times and keeping passenger flow organized.
That has changed now. An entire row of bus stands has been removed and the space has been handed over to private taxi aggregators. As a result, the area available for airport buses has been effectively halved.
The decision comes soon after another controversial move in which pre-booked taxi pick-up points have been shifted almost a kilometer away from the arrival gate, forcing passengers to walk long distances or rely on shuttle services.
Why are passengers feeling inconvenienced?
For everyday commuters, the impact is immediate. With fewer sections available, buses are struggling to connect smoothly. BMTC officials say crowding at the terminal has increased, forcing buses to leave ahead of schedule to make space for others.
This has led to long wait times and confusion for passengers who depend on these services. Many passengers, due to time constraints or tired after a long flight, are now opting for cabs instead.
But that option comes at a cost. The price of a Vayu Vajra ride generally ranges between Rs 210 to Rs 410, while a cab from the airport can easily cross Rs 1000, especially during peak hours or late at night. This results not only in inconvenience but also a financial burden for thousands of commuters every day.
Transport Minister’s sharp reaction
This move did not go unnoticed at the highest levels. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy recently visited the airport and openly criticized the reduction in bus bays. He described the decision as unacceptable and said giving preference to private operators over public transport was against public interest.
The minister has said he plans to raise the issue with the Chief Secretary, pointing out that the Karnataka government has a 13 per cent stake in the airport and should have a stronger role in decisions affecting public services.
For many passengers, his comments echoed their own frustrations. The sentiment is simple. An airport should make affordable transportation easier, not harder.
Ridership is falling, losses are increasing
BMTC says the figures already show the impact of the change. Daily ridership in Vayu Vajra buses has reportedly dropped from around 14000 passengers to around 11000. This is a decline of more than 1000 passengers every day.
In terms of revenue, this amounts to a loss of around Rs 3 to 4 lakh per day. For a service that runs 156 buses on 22 routes and plays a major role in keeping airport traffic under control, the decline is significant.
Officials have also warned that discouraging bus use will lead to more vehicles plying already congested roads like Ballari Road, leading to congestion and pollution at a time when sustainable transportation should be encouraged.
What do airport operators say?
Bangalore International Airport Limited has defended its decision, saying that a dedicated bus terminal with adequate bays has been provided at Terminal 2.
According to BIAL, the bays at Terminal 1 now serve only as pick-up points, and the overall arrangement is sufficient for bus services.
But for passengers using Terminal 1, this assurance provides little comfort. Most domestic travelers still fly here, and for them, the immediate experience has clearly become more complex.
human cost of long walks
The Transport Minister has also raised concerns about the relocated taxi pick-up zone, which is now about a kilometer away from Terminal 1 arrivals.
While shuttle services are available, many travelers say they fall short, especially for families with children, elderly travelers and those carrying heavy luggage.
For them, the airport experience has gone from convenient to tiring before even leaving the terminal.
A big question about airport priorities
As Kempegowda International Airport continues to expand, these changes highlight the growing tension between commercial interests and passenger convenience.
On one side are private operators and premium services. On the other side are the everyday commuters who depend on affordable public transport to bridge the 35 km gap between the airport and the city.
At present, the reduction in bus stands has sent a clear message to the passengers. Getting cheap and easy housing at Bengaluru airport is no longer a guarantee. And for many travelers, it seems like one disruption too many.
January 08, 2026, 15:54 IST
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