Airports are usually seen as one of the most secure places for travellers. But for one Hyderabad woman, a ride home from Hyderabad airport turned into a disturbing experience that made her question just how secure such spaces really are, especially for women travelling alone.
Sharing her experience through a post on Reddit, the 25-year-old woman described how a simple cab ride became an ordeal that involved intimidation, overcharging and lack of support.
“As a woman travelling alone, I’ve never felt this unsafe – my experience at Hyderabad Airport,” she wrote in the title of her post.
Approached By Cab Operators Near Airport
The woman said she landed at Hyderabad airport around 8 PM and was waiting near the cab area. “When I reached the airport cab section,
like always, there was a swarm of people trying to convince passengers not to use Uber/Ola/Rapido and instead take their “own” cabs,” she wrote.
“I usually avoid them, but while waiting in line, one man approached and said there was another passenger going in the same direction. He offered to club us together for Rs 900 (vs the Rs 1250 Uber/Ola fare), saying we could leave immediately and it would just be me and one other person,” the woman added.
Believing it would be a quicker and slightly cheaper option, she agreed. But instead of being taken directly to her destination, she was led to another car in the parking area with a different driver. Soon after, the driver got a call and he turned back to pick up another passenger.
“Another passenger was added to the cab – apparently, he’d been told he’d be dropped at Gachibowli and then given another cab since his destination was in the opposite direction. He was charged Rs 1500 for the full trip,” she shared.
Realising The Scam Midway
As the ride continued, she noticed something odd. “I found out that the passenger who was already sitting inside wasn’t even going in my direction – his place was about 15 km in the different direction,” she said.
When they reached Gachibowli, the driver dropped the man off, booked him another cab for Rs 500, but still took the Rs 1,500 from him.
At that point, the woman decided she didn’t want to continue the journey. “I told the driver I’d pay my share till Gachibowli and take another cab home. I didn’t want to cause any delay to the other passenger,” she explained. But when the cab stopped, the driver refused to open the boot or return her luggage until she paid the full Rs 900.
“I offered Rs 400–Rs 500, which was already generous, but he wouldn’t listen. He became very rude and arrogant and kept raising his voice, and was clearly trying to intimidate me into paying more,” she said.
Calling The Police For Help
Seeing the situation escalate, a few nearby auto drivers came forward to help, but the driver still refused to cooperate. The woman decided to call the police helpline. “The automated message was entirely in Telugu (I can understand a bit, so I managed), but imagine someone from outside Telangana or a foreigner in that situation. It really says a lot about how unsafe Hyderabad can feel for travellers,” she said.
Though the officer on the line took her location, the driver continued to argue. Eventually, with the help of the auto drivers, she gave him Rs 500. Only then did he open the boot and let her collect her luggage. She took an auto for the remaining 20 km to reach home safely and later informed the police that the issue had been resolved.
A Disturbing Experience For A Solo Traveller
The woman said she has travelled alone in other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, but “never experienced anything like this kind of airport scam elsewhere.”
“The police and airport authorities seriously need to take stricter action to stop this kind of unsafe and exploitative behaviour,” she further wrote.
“It’s sad to say this as a Hyderabadi myself, but our city really needs to do better when it comes to safety and regulation around the airport,” the woman concluded.
See Her Post Here
As a woman traveling alone, I’ve never felt this unsafe – my experience at Hyderabad Airport
byu/thatssoreddyculous inhyderabad
What People Said Online
Her story drew a strong reaction from users who agreed that such scams are far too common.
One user commented, “Never use these offline cabs — always use Uber or Ola. No time or money convenience is worth dealing with the thugs.”
Another added, “All airports are the same. You’re basically foolish to go with them in the first place. Always book an Uber or Ola and walk straight to the taxi stand. Don’t engage in any dealings.”
Some users suggested safer alternatives. “Please get the bus next time. Get down at a safe spot and get a cab or auto via apps. Public transport is always the best in any city,” someone else said.
“Either boy or girl, never opt for these private cabs at Hyderabad airport. They talk very softly till you board and then you realise you made a mistake by trusting them,” a person pointed out.
“First rule of thumb — never cheap out on a cab when travelling alone anywhere in the world. I understand you want to save money, but it’s not worth your safety,” read another comment.
Another Commuter Shares His Struggle
Just a day ago, on October 28, a man from Hyderabad narrated his ordeal with the city’s rising cab fares on Reddit. He shared how several drivers quoted unusually high prices when he tried to book a ride to the airport early in the morning.
