Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport) in Bengaluru has become the first airport in India to receive Level-2 Accreditation under the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme, its operator Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) announced on 28 August.

This international recognition places BLR Airport in a select group of global airports acknowledged for integrating accessibility into strategic planning, passenger experience, and governance. The AEA programme is the only global benchmarking framework focused specifically on improving accessibility within the aviation sector. It evaluates airports on facilities, services, and leadership related to the needs of persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.

Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, commented, “We are honoured to receive Level-2 Accreditation. At BLR Airport, accessibility is not merely about infrastructure—it is an expression of our belief that travel should be inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every individual.”

To this end, Bengaluru Airport has implemented multiple initiatives to support passengers with diverse needs. These include the Sunflower Lanyard programme for individuals with hidden disabilities, and India’s first sensory room catering specifically to neurodivergent passengers. A dedicated accessibility committee and regular staff training further ensure that services remain empathetic and up to date with evolving needs.

In addition to this accessibility milestone, BIAL recently announced a financial breakthrough. In May, BLR Airport reported its first-ever profit since the start of operations. The announcement followed a board meeting chaired by Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka and Chairperson of BIAL.

Describing the achievement as a “historic milestone,” BIAL attributed the profit to strategic growth initiatives, sustainability efforts, and improvements in operational efficiency. The financial success underscores the airport’s evolution into a modern, inclusive, and economically robust hub.

Together, the global accreditation and financial turnaround highlight Kempegowda International Airport’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in passenger experience, accessibility, and airport management.