Bengaluru Airport advances to ACI Level 3, sets benchmark in accessibility

Bengaluru

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has become the first airport in India to be awarded Level 3 in Airports Council International’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to improve inclusivity for passengers with disabilities.

The accreditation, announced on Friday, recognises airports that demonstrate sustained progress in accessibility standards. BLR Airport advanced from Level 1 in December 2024 to Level 3 this month — a leap achieved in less than a year. Airport operator Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) said the upgrade reflects its push to offer a seamless and dignified travel experience for all passengers.

As part of its “B-Included” initiative, the airport has expanded accessible infrastructure, digital tools and services. It is among a small number of airports globally to employ persons with disabilities in frontline customer service roles, supported by an Assistive Device Policy that provides custom tools to help staff perform their duties effectively.

According to BIAL, the Level 3 accreditation acknowledges several initiatives completed over the past year, including new digital accessibility features, an updated Accessibility Policy and the introduction of a “Social Story” on its website to support neurodivergent passengers. The airport also partnered with airlines for autism awareness programmes and conducted co-creation sessions with caregivers, accessibility experts and passengers with reduced mobility.

Training for airport staff, concessionaires and ecosystem partners has been expanded to enhance empathy and readiness, while accessibility principles are now being embedded across all new infrastructure and service upgrades.

Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of BIAL, said accessibility had become a key element of how the airport is designed and operated. “Advancing from Level 1 to Level 3 in less than a year speaks to the passion and dedication of our teams,” he said, adding that the goal was to ensure passengers “regardless of ability, can navigate our airport seamlessly”.

BLR Airport has also strengthened digital inclusion by integrating the Government of India-backed UX4G Internet Accessibility Widget on its website, adding dedicated information for PRM and PwD passengers, and expanding assistive tools. Training programmes, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard initiative and sensory room familiarisation sessions have been rolled out to increase awareness among employees.

The airport, which handled 41.88 million passengers in FY 2024–25, remains South India’s busiest and the country’s third largest. Terminal 2 is the first in India to receive the Skytrax 5-Star Rating, and BLR Airport continues to lead the country in perishable cargo handling for the fourth year running.