Bengaluru to Get a Second Airport– Karnataka’s Infrastructure Minister, MB Patil, has announced that a meeting will soon be held to finalize the location for a proposed second airport in Bengaluru. The government will consider passenger load and connectivity to the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) before making a final decision.
Potential Locations for the New Airport
Patil indicated that if passenger load is prioritized, areas like Sarjapur and Kanakapura Road are strong contenders. For connectivity with the existing airport, Tumkur and Dabaspet are leading options. These factors will be discussed in the next departmental meeting and reviewed with the Chief Minister and the Cabinet.
When Will Bengaluru Get Its Second Airport?
The exclusivity clause with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which prohibits another airport within a 150-kilometer radius, expires in 2032. This potentially allows for a new airport by 2033. Considering land acquisition and compensation processes, the government has started planning ahead.
Drawing comparisons to cities like New York and London, which have multiple airports, Patil mentioned, “The distance between the two airports in Mumbai is 36 kilometers.” Regarding Tamil Nadu’s plan to build an airport in Hosur, Patil stated that the applicability of the exclusivity clause with BIAL needs to be examined.
Kempegowda International Airport: Among India’s Busiest
Kempegowda International Airport is India’s third-busiest airport after Delhi and Mumbai. Last year, KIA handled 37.5 million passengers and over 400,000 tons of cargo. It is expected to reach its maximum passenger capacity by 2033 and maximum cargo capacity by 2040.
This strategic move aims to accommodate the growing air traffic in Bengaluru and enhance connectivity, ensuring the city remains a key hub for both domestic and international travel.
