Bengaluru has scripted a new chapter in India’s aviation journey, with Kempegowda International Airport becoming the first in the country to secure Level 2 Accreditation under the Airports Council International’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme. The recognition places the city’s airport on the global map for inclusive mobility, setting higher benchmarks for equitable and sustainable air travel.
The certification is significant, not just for Bengaluru but for India’s larger urban mobility landscape. The ACI programme is the only global framework that evaluates airports on their efforts to make aviation inclusive for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs). Achieving Level 2 Accreditation is proof that accessibility is no longer viewed as a compliance requirement but as a core principle shaping passenger experience. Airport officials highlighted that the accreditation was a result of embedding accessibility across strategy, infrastructure, and staff training. Initiatives already in place include India’s first sensory room for neurodivergent passengers, the Sunflower Lanyard scheme that discreetly supports travellers with hidden disabilities, and continuous improvements in signage, mobility aids, and passenger assistance. These measures, reinforced by dedicated accessibility committees, are designed to create a travel experience that is not just barrier-free but empathetic.
The recognition also underscores the economic and social value of investing in inclusive travel. Experts note that air travel is no longer reserved for a privileged few, with passengers from diverse backgrounds and abilities forming an increasingly important part of India’s aviation growth story. By proactively addressing the needs of all passengers, Bengaluru Airport has aligned itself with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and India’s own vision for equitable urban development. Industry specialists argue that inclusivity in aviation is no longer an add-on but a critical driver of competitiveness. As India expands its aviation infrastructure, airports will be judged not only on capacity and efficiency but also on their ability to offer safe and dignified travel for all. Bengaluru’s achievement, therefore, sets a precedent for other Indian airports to follow, ensuring that accessibility becomes a standard across the sector.
For a city that aspires to position itself as a global technology and innovation hub, Bengaluru’s airport recognition is both timely and symbolic. It highlights how world-class infrastructure must be measured not only by scale but by its ability to serve every citizen equally. Whether more airports adopt similar inclusive frameworks will determine how far India can go in transforming its aviation sector into a model of sustainable, equitable, and human-centred growth.
Also Read : Delhi Gets First Batch Of 950 Switch Mobility Electric Buses Flagged Off
