BLR Airport Becomes First in India to Earn Global Accessibility Accreditation

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has become the first airport in India to secure Level 2 accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme. The recognition places BLR Airport among a handful of airports worldwide acknowledged for embedding accessibility into infrastructure, services, and governance.

The AEA programme is the only global benchmarking initiative dedicated to advancing accessibility in aviation. It evaluates airports on how they incorporate accessibility into policies and passenger experiences, while recognising continuous improvements.

Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operates BLR Airport, said accessibility is “embedded into the very fabric” of its operations. A dedicated accessibility committee works with stakeholders to enhance mobility solutions for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and persons with reduced mobility (PRMs). Staff training, infrastructure upgrades, and passenger-assistance initiatives form part of the approach.

Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, said the accreditation was “a reflection of our belief that travel should be inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every passenger.” He added that the milestone was the result of “the tireless dedication of our entire team and invaluable guidance from ACI.”

In recent years, BLR Airport has introduced initiatives such as the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for travellers with hidden disabilities and a sensory room for neurodivergent passengers—the first of its kind at an Indian airport.

With the Level 2 accreditation, BLR Airport has positioned itself as a pioneer in inclusive air travel in India. The airport said it would continue to collaborate with global peers, government agencies, and advocacy groups to expand barrier-free and universally accessible travel.