Kannadigas Form Majority Of Bengaluru Airport Workforce, Says BIAL Amid Local Hiring Row

News cities bengaluru-news Kannadigas Form Majority Of Bengaluru Airport Workforce, Says BIAL Amid Local Hiring Row

Last Updated:November 07, 2026, 23:29 IST

Airport operator says it is engaging with authorities and stakeholders over concerns surrounding employment opportunities for Kannadigas

Amid growing allegations that Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIAB) favours non-Kannadigas for passenger-facing and non-technical jobs, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has clarified that Kannadigas constitute the majority of its workforce.

In a statement, a BIAL spokesperson said the airport was deeply rooted in Karnataka, with the state’s identity, culture and aspirations reflected in its art, architecture, design and passenger experiences.

The airport operator said that since commencing operations in 2008, KIAB has contributed to Karnataka’s economic growth and development by creating employment opportunities and supporting a wider ecosystem of businesses, partners and service providers.

Acknowledging the concerns raised over local employment opportunities, BIAL said it was engaging with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the issues.

“As the airport continues to grow and expand, it will generate further opportunities for Kannadigas across multiple sectors," the spokesperson said.

BIAL also highlighted the Karnataka government’s stake in Bangalore International Airport Limited, describing it as a key stakeholder in the airport’s growth and development.

The statement comes amid mounting complaints from Kannada organisations and social media users alleging that non-Kannadigas are preferred for several jobs inside the airport terminal.

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by its state president TA Narayana Gowda, recently held discussions with BIAL and representatives of 13 other companies operating at the airport, seeking greater employment opportunities for Kannadigas. According to KRV, the companies assured the delegation that they would double their Kannadiga workforce within a year.

BIAL reiterated its commitment to contributing to Karnataka’s progress and enabling greater opportunities for its people.

About the Author

Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and R...Read More

Read More