No Change in Flight Display System, Says Bengaluru Airport After Hindi Language Row, BIAL Responds to Viral Video
No Change in Flight Display System, Says Bengaluru Airport After Hindi Language Row, BIAL Responds to Viral Video
A video circulating on platform X showed flight information being displayed in Kannada and English, with no Hindi visible, sparking debate about language inclusivity in public spaces.
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), issued a statement on Sunday clarifying that there has been no change to its flight information display system.
The clarification comes after several social media posts claimed that the airport had removed Hindi language from its display boards. A video circulating on platform X showed flight information being displayed in Kannada and English, with no Hindi visible, sparking debate about language inclusivity in public spaces.
Hindi is removed in digital display boards of Kempegowda International airport in Bengaluru.
— ಚಯ್ತನ್ಯ ಗವ್ಡ (@Ellarakannada) April 12, 2025
Kannada & English.#Kannadigas are resisting Hindi imposition.
This is a really good development ! 👌#StopHindiImposition#TwoLanguagePolicypic.twitter.com/Ll98yTOdbU
“There has been no change in our flight information display system. In line with established practices, the displays continue to feature English and Kannada to effectively assist passengers. Additionally, the way-finding signages throughout the terminals are displayed in English, Kannada, and Hindi,” informs a BIAL Spokesperson.
The video triggered mixed reactions online. Some users questioned the practicality of excluding Hindi, especially in an international airport that serves travelers from across India. Others expressed support for the use of Kannada and English, viewing it as a reflection of the local culture and linguistic identity.
Critics of the move asked whether the airport assumes that only Kannada and English speakers visit Bengaluru. In response, BIAL emphasized that no modifications have been made to its language settings, suggesting that the video may not represent the complete picture.
“Delhi airport displays English and Hindi ..No Row over that. But Bengaluru Airport displays English and Kannada. It’s a language chauvinism,” one user wrote.
“But isn’t this just adding inconvenience to the folks who can neither understand English nor Kannada?” another user said.
“As much as I resist Hindi imposition, removing Hindi from travel hubs like airports and railway stations is stupidity. These places should help travellers and not punish them,” is another opinion.
