Passenger Influx Overwhelms Bengaluru Airport Transport
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru is grappling with a severe and persistent taxi shortage, a problem exacerbated by a significant spike in passenger numbers. The situation has left many travelers stranded or facing long waits for transportation after their flights.
Sharp Rise in Daily Passenger Traffic
According to sources within the airport, the average daily footfall has jumped by a substantial 10,000 passengers over the past several days. The current daily average now stands at approximately 1,30,000 passengers moving through the terminals.
This notable increase is directly linked to the return of holidaymakers. After enjoying year-end breaks, a large number of people are now coming back to the city, creating a sudden surge in demand for ground transportation from the airport.
Transport Infrastructure Under Strain
The existing cab and ride-hailing services at the airport have been unable to cope with this unexpected volume. The shortage of vehicles has become a critical pain point, disrupting the travel experience for thousands.
Passengers have reported extensive queues at taxi stands and app-based pickup points, with waiting times stretching far beyond the usual duration. The problem appears most acute during peak evening and night hours when multiple flights arrive in quick succession.
Looking for Solutions Amidst Chaos
The recurring nature of this issue highlights a systemic challenge in matching transport supply with fluctuating demand at India's third-busiest airport. While the footfall increase is attributed to seasonal travel patterns, the lack of a robust, scalable solution for ground connectivity continues to plague the airport's operations.
This incident, reported on 06 January 2026, underscores the urgent need for coordinated action between airport authorities, taxi unions, and ride-hailing companies to build a more resilient transport ecosystem capable of handling such passenger surges.
