On Tuesday morning, cab services at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) faced severe disruption as hundreds of cab drivers protested against new parking and pick-up rules introduced by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). The protest started around 9 a.m. near the Sadahalli toll gate, blocking vehicles and causing heavy traffic jams. Police used canes to disperse the demonstrators. The drivers demanded BIAL roll back the new lane segregation and parking fee system at the airport's arrival zones. The system, active since mid-December, allows free pick-up zone access for eight minutes. Beyond this, charges apply: ₹150 for 8–13 minutes, ₹300 for 13–18 minutes, and vehicles staying over 18 minutes risk towing and fines. Cab drivers called the charges unrealistic and financially harsh. G. Narayanaswamy, president of Karnataka Chalakara Okkuta, told The Hindu, "The airport authorities were unfairly penalising drivers who were already struggling with rising fuel costs, toll charges, and high commissions imposed by cab aggregators." He added, "The airport is fully aware that 10 minutes is not enough to pick up passengers, especially when flights are delayed or when passengers have luggage or elderly family members. Despite this, these rules have been imposed without consultation. This is harassment of drivers and inconvenience to passengers." Drivers also complained about being forced to use parking zones P3 and P4, far from terminals. Cab driver Prakash Kumar said, "The rules were introduced five days ago, without consulting us. The new rule adds to our losses. We are forced to walk long distances to reach passengers, and the short time window makes it impossible to operate smoothly." Passengers expressed frustration over walking long distances with luggage, with some taking to social media to voice concerns. Gautam Pradhan wrote on X, "@BLRAirport has designed an obstacle course before you can get into your taxi at T1 arrivals. Anyone with baggage, kids or elders will struggle. Don’t create problems! Please go back to the old system!" BIAL defended the changes, stating, "With rising passenger and vehicle volumes, it had become necessary to introduce greater discipline at arrival pick-up areas to prevent congestion, unsafe halts and confusion at the kerbside." The spokesperson added, "The new pick-up measures are designed to create a safer, smoother and more predictable experience for passengers. Private vehicles have a dedicated pick-up lane with a generous free time window, while commercial vehicles operate from designated and supervised pick-up zones. These systems are standard practice at leading global airports." BIAL rejected claims that the new rules aimed to increase revenue and stressed the focus is on safety and better access. They confirmed the rollout included guidance, signage, and coordination with cab operators. The protests are likely to continue if drivers' demands are not met.