Bengaluru, January 22, 2025:
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has become the first airport in India to receive Level 1 Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) Program. This recognition highlights BLR Airport’s proactive efforts to create an inclusive and accessible airport environment, ensuring that passengers with reduced mobility, and disabilities, enjoy a seamless and welcoming journey.
The AEA Program is designed to enhance accessibility and inclusion at airports by addressing the needs of persons with disabilities and older travellers. In response to the growing global demand for universal design and accessible travel, the program empowers airports to evaluate their facilities, implement improvements, and align with international best practices. Comprising three progressive levels, the program assesses airports on their strategies, policies, and outcomes, prioritising the travel experience for all users, including passengers, visitors, and staff.
At BLR Airport, accessibility is integrated into its core operations. A dedicated committee oversees initiatives to enhance facilities, services, and transportation options tailored for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Proactive measures include continuous staff training to ensure empathetic and personalised support for passengers, as well as infrastructure improvements that make air travel stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd said, “Receiving ACI’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation is a reflection of our steady commitment to making air travel inclusive and seamless for everyone. We have introduced several initiatives over the past few years to improve our accessibility, focusing on universal design principles across our terminals, empowering our staff, and constant collaboration with stakeholders. At BLR Airport, we continue to remain dedicated in advancing our efforts, as we strive to achieve our vision of creating a truly welcoming space for all.”
