The video that surfaced on X last week has gone viral recently after it showed a digital screen at the Bengaluru airport showing flight numbers, destination, status and gate numbers in Kannada and English alone.
“Today, a surprise awaited at the T1 terminal of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. All the digital boards displaying flight information, flight arrival and departure schedules, and other details were only in English and Kannada,” the user wrote, sharing multiple videos as proof.the caption of the post written in Kannada read.
ಇಂದು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಕೆಂಪೆಗೌಡ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದ T1 terminal ನಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅಚ್ಚರಿ ಕಾದಿತ್ತು 😃
ಎಲ್ಲಾ Digital ಬೋರ್ಡುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಮಾನಗಳ ಹಾರಾಟದ ಮಾಹಿತಿ, ವಿಮಾನಗಳ ಬರುವ ಮತ್ತು ಹೊರಡುವ ವೇಳಪಟ್ಟಿ ಮತ್ತಿತರ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಳು ಬರೀ English ಹಾಗು ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು ! ✨✈️#TwoLanguagePolicy@BLRAirport pic.twitter.com/FbaJhX5O7r
— ಗೌತಮ್ ಗಣೇಶ್ | Goutham Ganesh (@gouthamganeshmh) April 12, 2025
The user then posted several videos of the airport display boards displaying flight information in English and Kannada only.
Bengaluru Airport Releases Clarification
Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), on Sunday announced that there has not been any alteration in the flight information display system at the airport.
“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 assist passengers effectively. Additionally, signage throughout the terminals is displayed in English, Kannada, and Hindi,” BIAL said.
Kannada Language Option Added on Airport Website
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) made the addition just days after introducing a Kannada language option on its website.
The new feature in the state language makes travelling more convenient and familiar for tourists as they can now access airport services, according to a press release made by BIAL on Monday.
With the new language option, Kannada flight information will be provided in real-time, facilitating smooth updates of departures, arrivals, and delays, according to the release.
Detailed FAQ’s in Kannada will also cover regular questions, easing the travel experience, the release added.
Language Policy Debate Intensifies
The ongoing tussle between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the proposed three-language policy triggered the new controversy.
The Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, raising concern over the “three-language formula” and alleging that the Centre wants to ‘impose’ Hindi.
