A recent move by Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru to exclude Hindi from its display boards has sparked a widespread online debate. The change, which now sees only Kannada and English used on the display screens, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and reignited the sensitive issue of language usage in public spaces across India.

What Happened and When

The development came to light after a video posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) went viral. The footage showed display boards at KIA presenting information in Kannada, English, and Urdu—but notably missing Hindi. The clip quickly gained traction, amassing over two million views and prompting a flurry of responses online. The video’s circulation has intensified discussions around language representation at national infrastructure points like airports and railway stations.

Public Reaction and Online Backlash

Social media users were quick to weigh in with strong and varied opinions. Many criticised the decision to remove Hindi, arguing it might inconvenience non-Kannada and non-English-speaking travellers.

One user questioned the practicality of the move, stating, “Do you think only those who know English and Kannada visit Bengaluru? While it may be understandable not to have Hindi at metro stations, it should certainly be present at airports and railway stations.”

Others pointed out what they saw as a contradiction in values, highlighting that even foreign dignitaries embrace Hindi. “While the Dubai Crown Prince tweets in Hindi to show respect for India, some of our own citizens disregard Hindi, even though it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world,” another user commented.

A different user struck a more balanced tone, saying, “As much as I oppose the imposition of Hindi, removing it from travel hubs like airports and railway stations is unwise. These places should facilitate travel, not complicate it for people.”

The debate has also brought attention to the challenges faced by domestic travellers who may not be fluent in Kannada or English, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Bengaluru that receives visitors from across the country.

BIAL Issues Clarification

In response to the growing controversy, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the airport, issued a clarification regarding its language policy. A spokesperson stated, “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. Additionally, the wayfinding signages throughout the terminals are displayed in English, Kannada, and Hindi.”

This statement suggests that while Hindi has been removed from digital flight information displays, it remains in place on physical wayfinding signs throughout the terminal.

The removal of Hindi from Kempegowda International Airport’s display boards has once again ignited the ongoing conversation about linguistic diversity, regional identity, and national unity in India. While BIAL has clarified its language practices, the incident has left many questioning the balance between promoting local languages and ensuring accessibility for all travellers. As the debate continues, the larger conversation around language inclusion in public infrastructure is likely to remain in the spotlight.