KIA adopts Kannada-first approach in signboards and website

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has recently made a significant shift towards promoting local language use by updating its official website interface to include Kannada. This move is part of a broader initiative to reflect and respect the cultural and linguistic heritage of Karnataka.

In addition to the website update, the airport has also revised its signage, especially those related to flight routes and passenger directions, prioritizing Kannada alongside English. However, the exclusion of Hindi from the new signage has stirred a fresh round of language-related controversy. Several users on social media have expressed concerns over the absence of Hindi, arguing that it alienates a segment of travelers. On the other hand, supporters of the move point out that in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, regional languages like Tamil and Telugu are prominently featured, and Karnataka should be no exception when it comes to promoting Kannada.

Some netizens have applauded the change, sharing images of the new signs with captions praising the aesthetic and cultural value of Kannada language visibility at the airport. Others, however, have criticized the change, suggesting that completely removing Hindi—especially when it is already prominent in national exams and recruitment processes—is discriminatory. Airport authorities have not released an official statement regarding the controversy. The new signboards currently display information only in Kannada and English, marking a new chapter in language policy at one of India’s busiest international airports. The debate continues, reflecting larger discussions around linguistic identity, inclusivity, and regional pride.