Nagpur: Travellers flying from and landing at the city airport are likely to face a lot of inconvenience as a union of app-based taxi drivers has threatened to withdraw services from April 14. The union also plans to block entry of other cabs in the airport premises, a move that could leave passengers stranded and trigger on-ground confrontations.The protest, called by the Taxi Vahan Chalak Malak Sanyukt Kruti Samiti, will begin on April 14 and continue indefinitely. While the suspension of app-based services itself is expected to inconvenience travellers, the union’s decision to prevent other taxis from entering the airport has raised serious concerns of on-ground friction.Passengers may be forced to get off outside the airport and walk in with luggage, as cabs will be stopped from entering the premises. Union president Deepak Sane told TOI that around 150 app-based taxi drivers operate at the airport daily. “No app-based driver will operate at the airport. We will also not accept trips to and from the airport through apps,” he said.Sane confirmed that office-bearers will be stationed on all four approach roads to the airport to ensure compliance. “If any driver is seen going inside, we will peacefully request them not to enter,” he said, adding that a written intimation has been given to the police.However, police officials have taken a firm stand against any attempt to block access. Senior PI Nitin Magar said, “Drivers are free to stop their own services, but preventing others from entering the airport will be illegal, and strict action will be taken,” he warned.Despite the warning, union leaders remain unfazed. Responding to concerns about possible clashes with commuters, Sane said the drivers are left with no alternative. “We knocked on every door but received no response. We have no other choice but to protest,” he said.The agitation stems from long-pending demands of drivers, including scrapping bike taxi services, enforcing RTA-notified fares, which were approved in August 2025, providing direct insurance benefits to drivers, and establishing accountable offices of aggregator companies in Nagpur.
