A group of fifteen German pilots, first-time visitors to Bengaluru, learned the hard way about the city’s infamous traffic congestion. Staying just 17 km away from the Aero India 2025 venue at Yelahanka Air Force Station, the team left early in a private cab at 8 AM, hoping to reach on time. However, what should have been a short commute turned into a three-hour ordeal, causing them to miss the grand inaugural ceremony on February 10.
A Journey That Took Too Long
The pilots, who arrived in an A330 passenger plane, had no idea they were in for a frustrating delay. Despite the event’s pre-planned traffic restrictions, their cab got stuck for hours in gridlock, particularly near the entry point. One of the pilots, speaking anonymously, described their experience: “The traffic flow was smooth until we reached the venue, but at the entry point, we were stuck for almost one-and-a-half hours.”
He further remarked on how ironic it was, considering the previous day he had discussed the city’s infrastructure challenges with their local guide. “Today, we experienced it firsthand,” he joked.
Missed Arrangements and Traffic Woes
While Bengaluru Traffic Police had created a dedicated contraflow lane to facilitate smooth movement for delegates, the German team seemingly missed utilizing this route. A well-placed official stated that the delegation was expected to take advantage of these special arrangements but ended up using regular traffic lanes instead.
The Aero India 2025 event saw massive participation, with 900 exhibitors from 78 countries. To accommodate the influx of visitors and ensure security, traffic restrictions were imposed on both roads and airways. As a result, not just the German team but also several other travelers faced significant delays.
A Broader Impact on Commuters
Apart from the pilots, several travelers heading to Kempegowda International Airport also faced extended delays due to road restrictions. Authorities advised passengers to check their flight schedules before heading out. However, despite these measures, congestion remained a persistent issue, especially toward the end of the day, when viewers crowded roads near the Hunsamaranahalli tank bund.
Ultimately, while Aero India 2025 saw a well-managed traffic flow overall, the German pilots’ experience highlighted Bengaluru’s long-standing traffic woes, making their journey an unexpected tale of frustration.
