Karnataka Bandh: Thousands stranded at KIA, but airport rises to the occasion

Bengaluru, Sep 9: Thousands of air passengers -- both those arriving into the city and those flying to other destinations from here -- are reported stranded at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), as cabs and buses are off the roads.

Several passengers scheduled to fly out of Bengaluru reached the airport early on Friday morning, even if their flights were only in the evening, either by their own transport or by hiring cabs, which were still plying until about 9 am. Passengers who have arrived into KIA since morning, meanwhile, are stranded at the airport because there are no cabs plying to and from the airport.

Ramesh and his wife, who are to fly to Delhi on an evening flight, reached the airport at 6 am in the morning. "We took a cab to get here by 6 am, fearing that if we set out any later, we would be stopped by protesters. We have no option but to wait," Ramesh said.

But KIA authorities have come in for praise from many of these passengers, who are tweeting, for the arrangements made to deal with the situation.

"We have expanded the seating arrangements, both kerbside and in the terminal, and we are providing refreshments -- water and coffee/tea. We have also asked food and beverage outlets to ensure sufficient food is available for people to buy", a KIA'a spokesperson told OneIndia.

Enhanced wifi, special F&B arrangements for lower prices, continues announcements and personal attention to those with special needs have been made. "We are doing all we can, to ensure minimal discomfort, spokesperson added.

"Transfers to and from the airport have been affected and we have advised people to stay in the airport until the bandh ends in the evening", she added.

Some 350-380 flights come in and fly out of KIA every day. Airport authorities have put out phone numbers on which passengers can call or whatsapp for assistance. These are:

WhatsApp +91 888 499 8888, Landside [transport] +919538884433, +919538882020.

OneIndia News