Bengaluru Airport Introduces New 8-Minute Limit for Arrival Pick-ups to Reduce Terminal Congestion

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is implementing new arrival pick-up regulations to combat congestion and improve terminal traffic flow.

The airport has identified that extended waiting times of private vehicles and taxis at arrival areas creates unnecessary traffic congestion, causing inconvenience to both arriving passengers and drivers.

In response, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) will introduce a lane-segregation system specifically designed to maintain order, eliminate unauthorized parking, and minimize vehicle dwell times at terminal entrances.

According to the new regulations, private vehicles (white-board cars) can enter the designated pick-up zones at both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) without charge, but only for a maximum of 8 minutes. Exceeding this time limit will trigger penalty fees:

Rs 150 for vehicles remaining between 8-13 minutes

Rs 300 for stays between 13-18 minutes

Vehicles exceeding 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station and subject to additional fines plus towing expenses.

Airport authorities emphasize that the 8-minute free window is "significantly higher than international standards," providing sufficient time for passenger pick-up while preventing unnecessary congestion.

For commercial vehicles, including yellow-board taxis and electric cabs, designated parking zones must be utilized. These vehicles will benefit from 10 minutes of free parking to facilitate smooth passenger collection.

T1 commercial pickups are required to use the P3 and P4 parking areas

T2 commercial pickups must utilize the P2 zone

The implementation dates for these measures are December 11, 2025, at Terminal 2, and December 13, 2025, at Terminal 1, following stabilization of recent flight disruptions.

A BIAL spokesperson stated: "Following the stabilisation of the recent flight disruptions, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) will proceed with the implementation of the new pickup measures and overstay charges at the arrival kerbsides, effective December 11th, 2025 at Terminal 2 and December 13, 2025 at Terminal 1. These measures are designed to streamline kerbside movement and enhance the overall landside experience for passengers and airport stakeholders, and we appreciate the continued support and cooperation of all partners during this transition."

The statement continued: "Even though the plan to implement this was proposed last year, it couldn't be implemented following backlash from cab associations and few others. The recent chaos at airports due to the Indigo crisis has again forced them to keep the plan on hold from December 8. The airport expects the new system to significantly reduce kerbside misuse, ease traffic flow, and offer a safer, more efficient arrival experience for travellers."