Mangaluru Airport Taxi Drivers Face Severe Income Crisis Amid West Asia Conflict
Taxi operators at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) are reporting a dramatic decline in business following the ongoing West Asia crisis, which has disrupted international flight services for more than ten consecutive days. This prolonged disruption has severely curtailed passenger arrivals, creating a critical situation for drivers who depend almost entirely on airport operations for their livelihood.
Complete Dependence on International Arrivals
According to the Airport Tourist and Taxi Drivers' Association, approximately 180 prepaid taxis are registered at MIA, including 10–15 SUVs. Association president Jayanth Suvarna emphasized that domestic passengers alone do not generate sufficient business to sustain airport taxi operators, making international services absolutely crucial for their survival.
"Our livelihoods are completely tied to airport operations, particularly international arrivals," Suvarna stated. "The current period would normally see increased travel activity linked to Ramadan, but this crisis has completely halted that expected seasonal rise in passenger movement."
Booking Numbers Plummet Dramatically
On regular business days, sedan taxi drivers typically secure at least two to three bookings. During the recent disruption, that number has fallen to just one booking per day for many drivers, while some have received none at all. Walter Pereira, an airport taxi driver with two decades of experience, described the situation as particularly difficult.
"Under normal conditions, we could expect multiple trips throughout the day," Pereira explained. "With international services affected, many taxis are simply sitting idle for extended hours, creating unprecedented financial pressure."
Of the 180 taxis operating at the airport, approximately 140 managed to secure at least one booking daily during the disruption period. Some drivers returned home after completing a single trip, while others—particularly younger drivers—remained at the airport late into the night hoping for additional business. Several ended their shifts without any bookings whatsoever.
Compounding Financial Pressures
The business slowdown has intensified financial strain because daily operating costs—including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and loan repayments—remain unchanged despite the significant reduction in bookings. Drivers report that business outside the airport has also remained weak due to multiple factors:
- The wedding season has yet to gain momentum
- School and college examinations are currently underway
- Ramadan fasting has reduced local travel activity
Currently, sedan taxi drivers charge approximately Rs 800 for trips to the city from the airport, while SUV fares are around Rs 1,400. These rates provide little relief when bookings have decreased by 50-70% for many operators.
Pre-Existing Competitive Challenges
Suvarna noted that airport taxi drivers were already facing significant pressure even before the latest disruption, primarily due to growing competition from app-based taxi aggregators. The current crisis has simply exacerbated an already challenging situation, pushing many drivers to the brink of financial instability.
The association president expressed concern that if international flight disruptions continue, many drivers may struggle to meet their basic daily expenses, let alone maintain their vehicles and fulfill financial obligations. The situation highlights how regional geopolitical conflicts can have direct, tangible impacts on local economies and individual livelihoods far from the actual conflict zones.
