BLR Airport becomes India’s first airport to achieve ACI Level 3 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation: Advances from Level 1 to 3 within a year

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), has become the first airport in India to be awarded Level 3 in the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme by Airports Council International (ACI), marking another milestone for the airport. This recognition reflects BIAL’s steadfast commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and delivering an equitable travel experience for every passenger.

Accessibility and inclusion are integral to BIAL’s long-term vision of creating a barrier free, dignified, and empathetic travel experience for all. Guided by its Customer First philosophy, BLR Airport has steadily advanced from Level 1 (December 2024) to Level 3 (November 2025), within less than a year, demonstrating leadership and accountability in driving inclusive transformation.

Under its “B-Included” initiative, BIAL has introduced a wide range of accessible facilities, digital tools, and inclusive services to ensure that accessibility is woven into every aspect of the airport experience. BLR Airport is also among the few globally to employ Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in frontline customer service roles. The airport’s Assistive Device Policy further empowers employees with disabilities by providing customised tools and resources, ensuring they can serve passengers with confidence and ease. 

Key achievements under this Level 3 include:

• Enhanced Digital Accessibility: Introduction of new accessibility tools, a comprehensive Accessibility Policy, and the launch of a “Social Story” feature on the official website to support neurodivergent passengers and caregivers.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Joint autism awareness initiatives with airlines and passenger co-creation programmes involving PRMs, caregivers, and accessibility experts.
• Training & Awareness Expansion: Specialised training modules for airport employees, concessionaires, and ecosystem partners to enhance empathy and strengthen service standards.
• Universal Design Integration: Embedding accessibility principles into every new infrastructure, service innovation, and digital initiative.

Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), added, “At BLR Airport, accessibility is adopted as a mindset that defines how we design, operate, and engage. We are pleased to be the first airport in India to achieve ACI’s Level 3 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, a reflection of our commitment to building a truly inclusive experience. Advancing from Level 1 to Level 3 in less than a year speaks to the passion and dedication of our teams, who have made inclusion a part of our culture, not just our compliance. Our goal is simple yet profound — to ensure every passenger, regardless of ability, can navigate our airport seamlessly.”

BIAL’s vision for accessibility extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass digital inclusivity and cultural awareness. BLR Airport has implemented a range of initiatives, including the integration of the Government of India-backed UX4G Internet Accessibility Widget on its website to enhance navigation for users with disabilities, alongside a dedicated PRM/PwD information section, inclusive content, and assistive tools designed to meet diverse accessibility needs. Complementing these efforts, BIAL continues to build empathy and awareness across its workforce through airport-wide training, sensitisation programmes and initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard initiative, Sensory room familiarisation, as well as regular accessibility workshops under the Accessibility Committee.

By embedding inclusion into its infrastructure, digital platforms, and organisational culture, BLR Airport continues to set new benchmarks for universal accessibility, ensuring that every traveller, regardless of ability, experiences comfort, confidence, and dignity throughout their journey.