Sleeping Passengers At Bengaluru Airport Trigger Debate: Comfort Over Etiquette?

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is no stranger to viral attention. Known for its sprawling green spaces and nature-themed Terminal 2, the airport is often featured in travel blogs and social media posts celebrating its design.

This time, however, it wasn't the architecture that caught people's attention.

A viral Instagram reel has put the spotlight on a group of passengers seen sleeping inside the airport terminal. While some were resting on benches, one traveller drew particular attention after spreading a bedsheet over himself and settling in for a nap.

The video, captioned "Hum toh desi hi rahenge", quickly made its way across social media platforms, prompting users to share their views on what they believed the clip represented.

The video clip quickly went viral, attracting thousands of comments and triggering a larger issue surrounding public behaviour and civic sense.

Several users argued that airports are shared public spaces and that travellers should maintain a certain level of decorum, especially in a facility that serves as a gateway for international visitors.

A section of users criticised the scene, arguing that such behaviour was out of place inside a premium international airport. Some compared the visuals to those commonly seen at railway stations and bus terminals, saying travellers should maintain a certain level of decorum in public places.

Bangalore international airport ❌
Bangalore international railway station ✅ pic.twitter.com/6HAGiJqAWJ

— The Nalanda Index (@Nalanda_index) June 16, 2026

Others questioned why passengers choose to sleep in open areas when lounges and designated waiting zones are available.

However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.

Many users defended the passengers, pointing out that delayed flights, overnight layovers and long waiting hours often leave travellers with little choice but to rest wherever they can.

Several commenters argued that airports are transit spaces first and foremost, and passengers should not be judged for prioritising comfort after spending hours in queues, security checks and flights.

The video has struck a nerve because it touches on a familiar reality for Indian travellers.

As airports become increasingly modern and sophisticated, the expectations around how public spaces should be used are also changing. Yet travel habits shaped by convenience and practicality continue to remain deeply rooted.

The result is a debate with no clear winner.

While one section sees the sleeping passengers as an example of poor public etiquette, another sees them as ordinary travellers doing what countless others would do after hours of waiting.