BLR Airport Becomes India’s First to Earn ACI Level 3 Accessibility Accreditation
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), operated by Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), has become the first airport in India to earn Level 3 accreditation under Airports Council International’s Accessibility Enhancement Programme, marking a major step in strengthening services for passengers with disabilities, elderly travellers, and those needing specialised assistance.
BIAL advanced to Level 3 within a year of beginning its accessibility journey, driven by its B-Included programme, which introduced new digital tools, a detailed accessibility policy, a “social story” guide for neurodivergent passengers, and expanded staff training. The airport also collaborated with passengers, caregivers, and accessibility experts to design services suited to a range of disabilities.
Key improvements include:
- Enhanced Digital Accessibility: New tools on the airport website, including an online social story and updated policy.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Joint autism-awareness efforts with airlines and co-creation sessions with PRMs, caregivers, and accessibility experts.
- Training and Awareness expansion: Focused training programmes for employees, concessionaires, and partners to build empathy and raise service standards.
- Universal design Integration: Accessibility principles are now built into every project, service improvement, and digital initiative.
BLR also introduced an Assistive Device Policy for employees with disabilities and remains among the few airports globally employing PwDs in frontline customer service roles.
Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO of BIAL, said the accreditation reflects a deeper cultural commitment: “Advancing from Level 1 to Level 3 in less than a year shows the dedication of our teams. Our goal is to ensure every passenger, regardless of ability, can navigate the airport with ease.”
With this milestone, BLR joins a select group of global airports recognised for building more inclusive travel environments.
