Kempegowda International Airport Breaks New Ground In India’s Accessibility Landscape With Mobility Assist Enhancing Travel Experience For Passengers With Physical And Specialized Needs

Published on December 6, 2025

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is setting a new benchmark for accessibility in India with the launch of its groundbreaking Mobility Assist system. This advanced technology aims to make air travel more inclusive by providing seamless assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, including those with physical and specialized needs. By offering a safe and comfortable journey from check-in to boarding, the initiative ensures that all travelers, regardless of their mobility challenges, can enjoy a dignified and stress-free experience.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru has made a significant leap toward inclusivity with the introduction of Mobility Assist, India’s first advanced assistive transfer system designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility. This groundbreaking initiative aims to offer a seamless and comfortable travel experience for individuals with physical challenges, including children and those requiring specialized care, marking a new era of accessible air travel in the country.

The Mobility Assist system at BLR Airport is designed to provide safe and easy movement for passengers with mobility impairments, particularly those who use wheelchairs. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures a smooth transition during various stages of air travel, such as boarding, disembarking, and intra-terminal movement, without the need to leave the passenger’s wheelchair. By minimizing physical strain and reducing the potential for injury, the service significantly enhances the travel experience for both passengers and airport staff.

BLR Airport’s move to implement Mobility Assist follows a broader commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity in air travel. The system, which is available upon request through airline coordination, aims to provide personalized, end-to-end assistance for every passenger. This step is part of a larger initiative to transform the airport into a more accommodating environment for travelers with diverse needs.

The Mobility Assist system is the result of a generous donation by a prominent healthcare professional. The equipment was gifted in memory of an individual who faced significant challenges with mobility, having lived with a condition that required the use of an electric wheelchair during air travel. This personal experience served as the driving force behind the initiative, which aims to make air travel more dignified and accessible for others in similar circumstances.

In addition to Mobility Assist, BLR Airport has introduced several other initiatives to make travel more inclusive for all passengers. One notable program is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Programme, which is designed for individuals with non-visible disabilities. This initiative allows passengers with conditions such as autism, hearing impairments, or chronic pain to wear a sunflower lanyard to alert staff that they may need additional support or special considerations during their journey.

Furthermore, the airport has installed sensory rooms, which provide a calming environment for neurodivergent passengers, particularly those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. These rooms are designed to help travelers who may become overwhelmed by the noise, crowds, or other stimuli typically found in busy airport environments. These thoughtful inclusions show the airport’s commitment to creating an environment that caters to the needs of a diverse range of travelers.

BLR Airport’s efforts in accessibility have not gone unnoticed. It has become the first airport in India to achieve the Airport Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Level 3, an award recognizing its commitment to creating barrier-free travel infrastructure. This accreditation reflects the airport’s dedication to providing a comprehensive, inclusive experience for travelers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of air travel without facing unnecessary challenges.

As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility, BLR Airport is continuously seeking ways to improve its services and infrastructure. The introduction of Mobility Assist is just one example of how the airport is adapting to the needs of an increasingly diverse passenger base. This initiative is expected to set a new standard for inclusive travel in India, offering a model for other airports across the country to follow.

In a broader context, this move also highlights the growing importance of accessibility in the aviation industry worldwide. As airports continue to expand and modernize, the focus on inclusivity and accessibility is becoming a critical component of their development strategies. Airports that prioritize accessibility are not only improving the travel experience for passengers with disabilities but also setting themselves apart in a competitive and increasingly globalized travel market.

Mobility Assist at BLR Airport represents a major step forward in making air travel more accessible and inclusive for all passengers. This initiative, along with the airport’s other accessibility programs, ensures that travelers with reduced mobility or other special needs can enjoy a more comfortable and dignified journey. With its commitment to barrier-free travel and its recognition by international accreditation bodies, BLR Airport is setting a new benchmark for accessible air travel in India.