Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has marked a historic milestone in Indian aviation by becoming the first airport in the country to receive Level-2 Accessibility Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme. This achievement reflects BLR Airport’s commitment to ensuring that travel is inclusive, seamless, and accessible to all categories of passengers, including persons with disabilities (PwDs) and passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs).

Significance of the Accreditation

The ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation is the world’s only global programme dedicated to improving accessibility in aviation. It is designed to evaluate airports on various accessibility parameters, such as facilities, services, governance, policies, and long-term integration of accessibility into overall airport operations. Achieving Level-2 Accreditation indicates that BLR Airport has not only complied with accessibility standards but has also integrated them as a core principle in its passenger experience strategy.

By reaching this milestone, Bengaluru Airport joins an exclusive group of international airports that have been recognised for consistent improvements in accessibility. This sets a benchmark for Indian airports and aligns with the country’s broader goals of enhancing inclusivity across infrastructure and transport systems.

Initiatives Undertaken by BLR Airport

To secure this recognition, Bengaluru Airport has implemented several forward-thinking and inclusive initiatives, which stand out in the Indian aviation ecosystem. These include:

1. Sunflower Lanyard Scheme – This globally recognised initiative is now adopted at BLR Airport to assist travellers with hidden disabilities. The scheme helps staff identify such passengers discreetly, ensuring they receive appropriate and empathetic support during their journey.

2. Sensory Room for Neurodivergent Passengers – BLR Airport is home to India’s first dedicated sensory room for neurodivergent travellers. This space provides a calming and supportive environment for passengers who may experience sensory overload in crowded airport spaces.

3. Dedicated Accessibility Committee – A specialised committee has been established to continuously review, monitor, and enhance accessibility measures at the airport, ensuring sustained improvements.

4. Staff Training in Accessibility – Regular training programmes are conducted for airport personnel to equip them with the skills and empathy required to assist passengers with disabilities or special needs.

These measures reflect BLR Airport’s philosophy of inclusivity, where accessibility is not treated as an additional feature but rather a fundamental element of passenger service.

Leadership and Commitment

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), emphasised that accessibility is a core principle for BLR Airport. He highlighted that inclusive travel is not optional but essential, reinforcing the belief that every traveller, regardless of ability, deserves a smooth and dignified airport experience.

Broader Impact on Indian Aviation

This recognition is not just a milestone for BLR Airport but a transformative development for Indian aviation as a whole. It establishes a global benchmark for accessibility in India, encouraging other airports to adopt similar inclusive practices. With India witnessing a steady increase in both domestic and international passenger traffic, ensuring inclusivity becomes vital to achieving global service excellence standards.

Additionally, the accreditation aligns with India’s Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), which envisions making public spaces and transport systems more inclusive for all citizens.

Conclusion

The achievement of Level-2 Accessibility Accreditation by Bengaluru Airport is a pioneering step in redefining inclusivity standards in Indian aviation. Through initiatives like the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, sensory rooms, and comprehensive staff training, BLR Airport has showcased its determination to make air travel seamless, empathetic, and universally accessible.

This recognition not only highlights BLR Airport’s global leadership in accessibility but also places it as a role model for other Indian airports to follow. As passenger expectations evolve, such initiatives ensure that inclusivity remains a cornerstone of India’s aviation growth story.

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