The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru
Credit: DH Photo/B K Janardhan
Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s transport services to Kempegowda International Airport have reported a sharp decline in passenger load in the last couple of days.
DH reporters visited the airport on Friday where drivers of cabs and buses, exclusively shuttling to and from the airport, said that they have registered a dip in passengers.
BMTC shuttle operators Devraj and Krishna Naik said, “Passengers have reduced by 60%. While both arrival and departures are being affected, arrivals have been more impacted. Shuttle services, used by passengers, have also been reduced.”
A ride aggregator said, “We’ve observed a decline from May 8, especially at night.” Pranith, a cab driver, also reported a 15 to 20% decline in the number of passengers in KIA. “Every year, April and May is the peak season for travellers, but this time is different. We are incurring at least 50% loss in our businesses,” he added.
A Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation official reported that there
was a drop since May 7, but said fares will remain unchanged.
Transport providers are hopeful of an early recovery. Meanwhile, cabs and bus services continue to run albeit at lower frequencies, to meet the daily requirements.