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The issue has gained significance with social media users questioning the alleged dominance of non-local employees across various airport operations
KRV argued that private companies operating at the airport had benefited from land and infrastructure provided in Karnataka, and that local communities must also benefit from the employment opportunities generated by these establishments. File pic
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is facing growing questions over alleged preference for non-Kannadigas in passenger-facing and non-technical jobs, with several social media users flagging what they describe as a lack of employment opportunities for locals. At the same time, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), which is running a jobs for Kannadigas campaign, met the airport operator and 13 other companies operating at the airport, seeking greater employment opportunities for Kannadigas.
KRV takes up Jobs for Kannadigas campaign with KIAL, 13 companies
BLOOD state president TA Narayana Gowda led a delegation to Kempegowda International Airport and held discussions with senior representatives of KIAL and 13 other companies operating at the airport.
The meeting was part of KRV’s Agraha Abhiyana, launched on Kannada Rajyotsava Day, demanding priority for Kannadigas in employment opportunities across private establishments in Karnataka.
The delegation met CEOs and HR heads of 14 companies, including Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Menzies Aviation, DHL Express, Shoppers Stop, Star Air, TajSATS, Taj Hotels, HMS, Travel Food Services, Air India SATS, Blue Dart, WFS, Air India and TRS.
Narayana Gowda clarified that KRV was not against industries or businesses operating in Karnataka, but wanted them to prioritise local candidates.
He argued that private companies operating at the airport had benefited from land and infrastructure provided in Karnataka, and that local communities must also benefit from the employment opportunities generated by these establishments.
At A Glance
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike held discussions with representatives of Kempegowda International Airport Limited and 13 other companies regarding employment opportunities for locals.
The 14 companies involved in the meetings included BIAL, Menzies Aviation, DHL Express, Shoppers Stop, Star Air, TajSATS, Taj Hotels, HMS, Travel Food Services, Air India SATS, Blue Dart, WFS, Air India, and TRS.
Company representatives apparently assured the KRV delegation that they would double their local employee strength within a year.
Frequent flyers have also raised concerns that local Karnataka brands receive inadequate shelf space at airport retail outlets compared to out-of-state brands.
“If companies provide the information we have sought, we will submit a comprehensive report to the state government,” he said.
According to KRV, representatives of the companies assured the delegation that they would increase the number of Kannadigas in their workforce and promised to double their local employee strength within a year. The delegation was also invited to revisit the airport after a year to assess the progress.
KIAL Chief Human Resources Officer Nalini George, senior company officials and representatives of the other participating organisations attended the meeting. Senior police officials were also present.
The issue has gained significance with users questioning the alleged dominance of non-local employees across various airport operations, from the terminal entrance and check-in counters to support services and restaurants.
An X user identifying himself as “Kannada Whistleblower” has also launched a petition on Change.org, calling for an investigation into the Bengaluru airport management over alleged recruitment bias against Kannadigas.
“Ever notice Malayali staff from the entrance of Bangalore all the way to check-in counters, support staff and even restaurants? Well, this is by design!” the petition alleges.
The allegations have found support among several social media users. Responding to the post, an X user named Vikram wrote: “I was travelling international last weekend and this is exactly what I noticed. Needs real investigation. Thanks for highlighting.”
Apart from recruitment, frequent flyers have also raised questions about the representation of local Karnataka brands at airport retail outlets.
A frequent flyer, Basavraju, alleged that products from local Karnataka brands are not getting adequate shelf space at stores inside and outside the terminal, while products from Kerala-based brands are more visible.
“Not even a single local manufacturing brand’s product is available there. Kerala brands like Kochikodens are available, but not local brands like Adukale, etc,” he alleged.
Claiming that the alleged preference extends to food products as well, he pointed out that chips, kodbale, chakli, cashews and pista sold at airport outlets were predominantly sourced from Kerala.
News18 has reached out to KIAL for its response to the issue, and it is yet to receive a response.
With social media users now questioning both recruitment practices and the visibility of local brands, the issue has expanded beyond employment into a wider debate over whether Bengaluru’s biggest international gateway adequately represents Karnataka’s workforce and businesses.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The meeting followed a growing social media uproar and online petitions questioning an alleged preference for non-Kannadigas in passenger-facing and non-technical roles at Kempegowda International Airport.
Ask News18About the Author
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
November 07, 2026, 12:51 AM IST
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