Chennai Airport issues advisory over cab fare extortion and ride cancellations

Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a strict advisory targeting cab aggregators and drivers operating at Chennai International Airport following widespread passenger grievances regarding ride cancellations and extortionate fare demands. Arriving travellers have increasingly faced situations where cab drivers accept online bookings but subsequently demand additional cash payments above the metered rate, threatening to cancel the ride if passengers refuse to comply.

These practices have created severe inconvenience, causing unnecessary pick-up delays and frustrating commuters at both domestic and international terminals. In response, airport management warned that persistent misconduct will result in severe penalties, including blacklisting non-compliant drivers and permanently revoking their access permits to provide services on airport premises.

Multi-Tiered Redressal Framework Established for Travellers

To safeguard passenger interests and enforce operational transparency, Chennai airport authorities have advised travellers to immediately report incidents of harassment, arbitrary cancellations, or illegal surcharge demands. Passengers can lodge direct complaints at dedicated help desks operated by respective cab service providers situated inside the cab pick-up plaza and the west Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) building.

If service providers fail to resolve complaints promptly on-site, passengers have been instructed to escalate grievances directly to airport management via official social media channels or through dedicated telephone helplines (044-22560551 and 044-22560512). Airport officials assured that escalated complaints will be taken up directly with aggregator management teams to trigger formal administrative disciplinary measures.

Escalated Penalties and Direct Provider Contacts Issued

To streamline complaint lodging, the AAI released direct contact numbers across all registered operating platforms at the airport, including Uber, Ola, Rapido, Fast Track, WTI Cabs, and the local Prepaid Taxi service. Furthermore, a dedicated emergency contact line was issued for complaints concerning parking licensee operations within the airport parking zones.

The advisory stresses that maintaining a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free transit environment relies heavily on active passenger reporting. By enforcing strict blacklisting protocols and coordinating directly with aggregator platforms, airport authorities aim to eliminate predatory pricing tactics and restore seamless ground transport connectivity for thousands of daily passengers arriving in Chennai.