Airport’s Inclusivity Drive Sets New Standards for Barrier-Free Passenger Travel Experience
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has scripted history by becoming the first airport in India to achieve Level 2 Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme. This recognition highlights KIA’s sustained efforts to create an inclusive and barrier-free travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The AEA programme is the world’s only initiative dedicated to benchmarking and advancing accessibility in airports. It evaluates infrastructure, services, and governance models, recognizing airports that embed accessibility into their long-term strategies and daily operations.
At KIA, accessibility has been integrated as a core principle. A dedicated accessibility committee comprising airport stakeholders drives initiatives to ensure smoother, more dignified journeys for all passengers. The measures include staff sensitisation and specialised training, mobility support solutions, and infrastructure upgrades designed to make air travel more inclusive.
Commenting on the achievement, Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), said, “At Bengaluru airport, accessibility is not only about infrastructure but about ensuring travel that is inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every passenger. This milestone reflects our commitment to serving everyone.”
In recent years, KIA has also pioneered initiatives in India to strengthen inclusivity. Among them are the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, introduced in 2022 for travellers with hidden disabilities, and a dedicated sensory room for neurodivergent passengers, providing a calming environment before flights.
The accreditation reinforces Bengaluru Airport’s position as a leader in inclusive air travel, with future plans to deepen collaboration with global peers, government bodies, and advocacy groups to build a universally accessible travel environment.