BENGALURU: Kempegowda International Airport, (KIA) has become the first airport in India to achieve Level 2 Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme. The recognition places KIA among a select group of global airports acknowledged for advancing accessibility in aviation.The AEA programme is the world’s only initiative dedicated to benchmarking and improving accessibility in airports. It evaluates facilities, services, and governance, recognising airports that embed accessibility into their strategies, policies, and passenger experiences.At Kempegowda International Airport, accessibility has been made a core principle in planning and operations. A dedicated accessibility committee, which includes airport stakeholders, drives initiatives for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The measures include staff sensitisation and training, infrastructure upgrades, and mobility solutions that ensure smoother and more dignified journeys for all passengers.Commenting on the achievement, Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), said, “At Bengaluru airport, accessibility is not just about infrastructure, but about ensuring travel is inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every passenger. This milestone reflects our commitment to building an airport that truly serves everyone.”In recent years, the airport has launched several firsts in India to support inclusivity. These include the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, introduced in 2022 for travellers with hidden disabilities, and a dedicated sensory room for neurodivergent passengers, providing a calming environment to ease their journey.The Level 2 Accreditation reinforces the airport’s position as a leader in inclusive air travel. Going forward, the airport plans to deepen collaborations with global peers, government bodies, and advocacy groups to create a universally accessible, barrier-free travel environment.
