Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will face a notable increase in pickup fees due to recent adjustments by the airport authority. The revised rates, effective immediately, reflect a significant hike in the cost of booking rides from both terminals.
For Uber users, the pickup fee has surged by 23-40%. Specifically, the fee for Terminal 1 has risen from ₹187 to ₹230, while Terminal 2 sees an increase from ₹187 to ₹260. Similarly, Ola’s pickup charges have gone up by 25%, with the new rates set at ₹215 for both terminals. These changes come as Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which manages KIA, has raised the fees it charges transport aggregators for designated pickup points. This fee adjustment is intended to cover the costs of maintaining and managing the airport’s transport infrastructure.
Uber has clarified that the increased pickup fees are entirely passed on to the airport and not retained by the company. A spokesperson for Uber emphasised, “The pickup fee charged to passengers is part of our commercial agreements with airports and is fully passed on to the airport authority. Uber does not benefit from these charges. We have updated our fare structure to reflect the new airport fees and are providing transparency to our riders by showing revised fares upfront during the booking process.” The fare adjustments are expected to impact passengers’ travel budgets, especially those who frequently use airport cab services. The increase in fees underscores the ongoing adjustments in the transportation sector, reflecting broader trends in airport charges and operational costs.
As travellers plan their airport journeys, they are advised to factor in these new fees when budgeting for their transportation needs. The updated rates aim to align with the airport’s infrastructure costs, but they may prompt passengers to seek alternative transport options or plan their travel more meticulously. For further details or to check the updated fares, passengers are encouraged to consult the official Uber and Ola platforms or contact their customer service.
