Passengers arriving at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport are facing increasing frustration due to a severe shortage of taxis, particularly Ola and Uber cabs. Long queues have formed at the dedicated taxi stands outside the airport terminals, with waiting times stretching to over an hour for some travelers. The growing demand for rides, combined with the limited number of available vehicles, has made it difficult for passengers to secure transportation promptly after landing.
The shortage of cabs is attributed to several factors. A significant reason is the increasing number of passengers using the airport, which has seen a surge in traffic as travel recovers post-pandemic. However, the number of taxis available has not kept pace with the rise in demand, especially during peak hours. Furthermore, some drivers are reportedly hesitant to enter the airport premises due to the long wait times and delays in receiving fares, contributing to the shortage.
This situation is compounded by the fact that several factors have led to fewer ride-share drivers operating at the airport, including inconsistent fare structures and logistical challenges associated with the airport’s ride-hailing system. While ride-hailing services such as Ola and Uber have become an essential mode of transportation for air passengers, these platforms are struggling to provide sufficient vehicles to meet the high demand, especially during rush hours.
Passengers are expressing frustration over the situation, with many finding it difficult to plan their onward journeys due to the unpredictable wait times. In some cases, passengers have resorted to booking cabs well in advance or relying on other modes of transport, such as private cars or auto-rickshaws, as a backup.
Authorities at Bengaluru airport are reportedly working to address the issue by exploring ways to streamline the taxi services and encourage more drivers to participate. The airport is also in discussions with ride-hailing companies to find long-term solutions to improve the availability of cabs and reduce wait times for passengers. In the meantime, travelers are urged to plan extra time for airport transfers to avoid delays.
