Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Mumbai Airport App-Cab Strike Disrupts Pickups, Drivers Demand Changes
Some app-based taxi drivers stopped working at Mumbai airport on Tuesday.
They were protesting rules set by ride-hailing companies and government policies.
The drivers said they were earning too little after commissions and rising fuel and operating costs.
They want fixed fares and higher payments for each kilometer.
They also want action against commercial bike taxis and limits on carpooling.
This made it harder for arriving passengers to find app-based rides.
Some passengers also saw longer waits and higher prices.
Flights were not affected by the protest.
Airport staff suggested using regular taxis, Cool Cabs or the Mumbai Metro instead.
Some app-based cab drivers stopped accepting bookings at Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2 on Tuesday.
Passengers faced longer waits, fewer available vehicles and higher ride-hailing fares, while flights continued normally.
Drivers demanded higher payouts, fixed fares and earnings based on state-notified tariffs.
They also sought action against commercial bike taxis and restrictions on carpooling features.
Airport staff directed travelers to metered taxis, Cool Cabs and nearby Mumbai Metro links.
- Who
- A section of app-based cab drivers, supported by the Gig Workers Association’s president Keshav Sagar, staged the stoppage; Mumbai airport authorities issued a passenger advisory.
- What
- Drivers restricted app-based bookings at the airport and demanded higher fares, improved payouts, action against unauthorised bike taxis and restrictions on carpooling.
- When
- Tuesday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The action occurred around the Terminal 2 pickup zone at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
- Why
- Drivers cited low earnings, platform commissions, aggressive app algorithms, rising operating costs, competition from bike taxis and carpooling, and delays in establishing fixed fares.
Drivers and worker representatives
Airport and passenger response
Fare levels and earnings
Drivers and worker representatives
Drivers and the Gig Workers Association said platform commissions, operating costs and existing fare policies were squeezing driver earnings. They demanded fixed fares and higher payouts.
Airport and passenger response
The airport’s response focused on informing passengers that app-based cab availability could be limited and advising them to arrange travel in advance or use alternatives.
Carpooling and bike taxis
Drivers and worker representatives
Drivers demanded restrictions on carpooling and action against commercial bike taxis, arguing that these services reduce the earnings of licensed four-wheeler operators.
Airport and passenger response
The airport advisory did not address the drivers’ claims about carpooling or bike taxis and instead provided transport guidance for affected travelers.
- Location
- Terminal 2 pickup zone, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Service affected
- App-based cab bookings to and from the airport
- Passenger impact
- Longer waits, limited vehicle availability and higher ride-hailing fares
- Flight operations
- Unaffected
- Driver demands
- State-notified base tariffs, higher net per-kilometer earnings and revised payouts
- Regulatory demands
- Action against commercial bike taxis and restrictions on multi-passenger pooling
- Alternative transport
- Metered kaali-peeli taxis, Cool Cabs and nearby Mumbai Metro links