In a chilling incident that highlights growing safety concerns around airport taxi services, a woman recently shared her harrowing experience of nearly being trafficked after boarding a fraudulent cab at Bengaluru Airport. Her story shared widely on social media, has sparked intense discussions about traveler safety and the urgent need for airport authorities to address security gaps in transportation.
The woman, whose identity remains protected, arrived late in the evening at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. After exiting the terminal, she was approached by a man who appeared to be a driver offering a cab. Believing it to be an official airport cab service, she accepted the ride. However, shortly after they left the airport vicinity, she began to notice irregularities, including the driver’s suspicious route choice and his constant communication with someone over the phone.
Growing increasingly alarmed, she managed to stay calm and discretely contacted her friend, sharing her live location and expressing her concerns. Sensing her fear, her friend immediately alerted airport authorities and the police. After tense moments that felt like hours, the police tracked down the vehicle and safely extricated the woman. The driver was detained for questioning, revealing that he was not an authorized airport cab driver and lacked any legitimate registration for operating in the area.
This incident has ignited a call for action to improve transportation security measures at Bengaluru Airport. While authorized cab services like Ola and Uber operate from designated pickup zones, unauthorized drivers often solicit passengers, especially those who appear unfamiliar with local transport norms.
In response, local law enforcement and airport authorities have pledged to increase vigilance, launching an investigation into the rise of unauthorized taxis around airport premises. Additional security measures, including increased police patrols at the pickup areas and visible signage to guide passengers to legitimate taxi services, are under consideration.
Safety experts urge travelers to remain vigilant, especially when arriving late at night. Tips include booking cabs through official apps, verifying license plates, and sharing real-time locations with friends or family. This incident serves as a reminder that, while convenience in airport transportation is vital, safety must always come first.
