Bengaluru Airport Responds to Viral Video Over Hindi Language Omission
Bengaluru Airport Responds to Viral Video Over Hindi Language Omission
BENGALURU – A video showing flight information at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) displayed only in Kannada and English — with no sign of Hindi — has sparked a fresh debate on linguistic inclusivity in public spaces. The video, widely shared on social media platform X, triggered both criticism and support, with users weighing in on the appropriateness of language usage at one of India’s busiest international airports.
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
In response to the online uproar, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of KIA, issued an official clarification on Sunday stating that there has been no change to the airport’s language display system.
“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,” said a BIAL spokesperson. The official added that wayfinding signs throughout the terminals are displayed in English, Kannada, and Hindi, refuting claims of language removal.
The viral video sparked divided reactions online. While some users voiced concerns over the absence of Hindi in flight updates — especially in an airport catering to travelers from across the country — others defended the use of Kannada and English as representative of the state’s linguistic culture.
Critics questioned the airport’s decision, asking whether it considers the needs of non-English and non-Kannada speakers. “Removing Hindi from travel hubs like airports and railway stations is impractical,” one user commented. “These spaces should help travelers, not inconvenience them.”
Others saw the controversy as misplaced. “Delhi airport uses English and Hindi without issue. But when Bengaluru uses English and Kannada, it’s called chauvinism?” wrote one user in support of the local language.
BIAL maintained that the airport follows standard operating procedures and denied any deliberate exclusion of Hindi. The incident has reignited the larger conversation around linguistic representation in India’s public infrastructure, highlighting the challenges of balancing regional identity with national accessibility.
