Cab Crunch Hits Bengaluru Airport: Passengers Frustrated By Long Waits

Getting a taxi from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport has become increasingly challenging for passengers, with a shortage of vehicles leading to long wait times. Many passengers are now waiting over an hour in long queues at dedicated taxi stands outside the airport terminals.

In a video shared on social media by Karnataka Portfolio, passengers can be seen lining up for cabs at all major aggregator stands. Fewer drivers are opting for airport trips, citing long distances, high toll costs, and less profitable earnings compared to in-city rides.

What are cab drivers saying?

Taxi driver Mallappa Gowda explained, "Each airport trip takes at least 1-2 hours, factoring in traffic and distance. With toll fees and an increased pick-up point tariff, airport duty earns us much less than local city rides. Many drivers, including myself, prefer city pick-ups instead." Gowda added that the availability of BMTC buses for city connections also makes public transport more appealing for airport passengers.

Another driver, Manjunath, noted that some drivers take alternate routes to avoid high tolls, though passengers often feel unsafe on these less-traveled, dimly lit roads. "We save around ₹150-₹200 by avoiding toll roads, but passengers, especially women, feel uncomfortable with these routes," he shared.

On social media, passengers expressed their frustration. One user, Harsha, tweeted, "The wait time for taxis at Bengaluru T2 terminal is terrible. I've been waiting for 2 hours with hardly any vehicles arriving."

The shortage of cab drivers at Bengaluru Airport remains a concern for both passengers and the drivers who navigate the challenges of airport duty.