Bengaluru airport to impose kerbside overstay charges from Dec 11 (T2), Dec 13 (T1)

Bengaluru: The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will impose overstay charges at arrival kerbsides after a brief delay caused by flight disruptions.

A BIAL spokesperson confirmed the new measures to reduce kerbside congestion will be implemented from Thursday at Terminal 2 and Friday at Terminal 1.

The decision to charge for overstaying at pick-up zones is the BIAL’s response to significant traffic strain at the airport.

The airport handles 1.3 lakh passengers and nearly 1 lakh vehicles daily. The kerbside area, meant for quick pick-ups, is often misused for prolonged waiting and unauthorised parking.

The BIAL has reported more unauthorised cabs and private vehicles waiting outside arrival gates and exit ramps, causing crowding, safety risks and traffic disruptions.

The BIAL tried to introduce a similar overstay system in May 2024, but suspended it after backlash from cab driver associations and passenger concerns over higher costs.

The current plan is revised. Instead of seven minutes free access, the new model gives private vehicles eight minutes and enforces stricter lane segregation.

Besides eight minutes free time, private vehicles will pay Rs 150 for overstaying between 8 and 13 minutes, and Rs 300 between 13 and 18 minutes. Beyond 18 minutes, vehicles will be towed and fined. Commercial vehicles must use designated parking, with 10 minutes free; cab drivers pay Rs 150 for a half-hour slot after that.

The rollout, scheduled for December 8, was postponed allowing flight operations to stabilise after the IndiGo airline crisis.

The new charges do not apply to vehicles dropping passengers at departure gates.

A BIAL spokesperson said the new pick-up measures are designed to streamline kerbside movement and improve the experience for passengers and airport stakeholders.