All about Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore

Kempegowda International Airport, commonly referred to as Bangalore Airport, stands out as India’s first Greenfield Airport developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In this arrangement, private promoters own 74% of the airport, while the government holds the remaining 26%. The airport officially began its operations on May 24, 2008, just 33 months after construction commenced. Since then, it has experienced remarkable growth, serving over 33 Mn passengers in 2019, which placed it among the fastest-growing airports globally. As the busiest airport in south India and the third largest in the country, Bangalore Airport reached a significant milestone on December 1, 2023, surpassing 300 Mn passengers since its opening. Read on to discover more about Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore.

 Quick facts about Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport terminals

There are two terminals that are currently in service at Bangalore airport.

Terminal 1

Covering an area of 1,50,556 square metre (sqm), this single integrated passenger terminal is dedicated exclusively to domestic flights, accommodating 20 Mn passengers annually. As of September 12, 2023, Terminal 1 handles domestic flights for airlines such as Akasa Air, Alliance Air, IndiGo and SpiceJet, following the relocation of all international flights to Terminal 2. Terminal 1 features two lounges: the 080 domestic lounge and the 080 international lounge, both managed by Travel Food Services, which also operates a transit hotel within the terminal. Additionally, VIP passengers have access to a separate 930-sqm lounge. The check-in and baggage reclaim areas are located on the lower level, while departure gates are on the upper floor.

Terminal 2

The airport’s second terminal, a tribute to Bangalore’s reputation as the “Garden City”, was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and constructed by Larsen & Toubro. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 11, 2022, and became operational in January 2023. The first phase of Terminal 2, covering 2,55,000 sqm and built at a cost of around Rs 5,000 Cr, has increased the airport’s capacity by 25 Mn passengers annually. A second phase is planned to add another 20 Mn passengers per year, bringing the total capacity of Terminal 2 to over 45 Mn passengers annually. 

The arrival area of Terminal 2 is located on the ground floor, while departures are on the first floor. The first phase includes 95 check-in counters, nine baggage claim belts, 17 security lanes, 34 electronic immigration gates and six conventional ones. The terminal is equipped with both tarmac and jet bridge gates, including Code-F gates to accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380. Domestic operations began on January 15, 2023, with Star Air as the first airline to use the new terminal. On September 12, 2023, Terminal 2 also began handling all international operations, with Saudia being the first international airline to arrive. In addition to international flights, Terminal 2 also manages domestic flights for Air India Express, Air India, Star Air and Vistara.

Bangalore Airport runways

Kempegowda International Airport operates two runways, each measuring 4,000 meter in length and 45 metre in width. These runways accommodate all types of aircraft, including Code-F aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380, and are equipped with CAT IIIB ILS for advanced landing operations.

Airlines operating at Bangalore Airport

The following airlines operate at the Bangalore Airport:

• AIX Connect
• Akasa Air
• Alliance Air
• DHL Aviation
• FedEx Express
• Go First
• IndiGo
• Star Air
• Vistara
• Indigo
• Air India

Transportation options available at Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport is very well-connected to the rest of the city via various modes of transport. Once you land at the airport, you can easily book a taxi to take you to wherever you need to go. You can easily avail prepaid and rental taxi services at kiosks outside the airport. Moreover, the airport has a designated pickup area for app-based cab services like Uber. Those looking to travel by bus will find several bus stops located within walking distance from the airport. These bus stops include Kempegowda International Airport Terminal-1 bus stop, Kempegowda International Airport Terminal-2 bus stop and KIAL Parking Area bus stop. 

How to reach Kempegowda International Airport?

• Bus: The airport is well-connected through bus services, including Vayu Vajra, which offer both direct and indirect routes to various parts of Bangalore. These buses are a convenient option for travelling to and from the city centre.
• Taxi: Taxis can be easily booked from anywhere in the city. Prepaid and rental taxi services are available at kiosks outside the airport, and app-based cab services have a designated pickup area. Simply visit this area, book your cab, and provide the OTP.
• Train: The nearest railway station to Kempegowda International Airport is Yelahanka Junction, approximately 19.9 km away. To reach the station, you can use a taxi or a bus.

Facilities available at Kempegowda International Airport

For the passengers, the following services are available at Bangalore Airport:

Baggage service

The baggage facility is available on the first floor of the airport. On the same level, luggage trolleys, wheelchairs, and assistance for senior citizens and disabled people are available. Also, you can find a baggage wrapping machine to make your luggage safer.

Places to eat and relax

There are many places where you can easily eat and sit while you wait for your departure. If you wish to have a relaxing time, then you can go to the lounge area. Bangalore Airport has three lounges — the Kingfisher Lounge, the Oberoi Lounge, and The Leela Lounge.

Duty-free shopping

There is duty-free shopping available at the airport. You can shop as much as you want and kill your time.

Food outlets at Bangalore Airport

The following food outlets are available at Bangalore Airport:

• BIRA
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Windmills
• Barley and Grapes
• Fire and Ice
• Aubree
• Bhartiya Jalpan
• Café Coffee Day
• Chai Point
• Hatti Kaapi
• Kebab & Kurry Nation
• Krispy Kreme
• Ooru Canteen
• Nandi Upachar
• Pizza Hut
• Street Foods by Punjab Grill
• Subway
• The Belgian Fries Company
• Third Wave Coffee
• TATA Starbucks
• Windmills

 Shopping outlets available at Bangalore Airport

The following shopping options are available:

• Accessorize
• Arcelia by Shoppers Stop
• ArtPort by IRHPL
• Caratlane
• Cococart
• FabIndia
• Forest Essentials
• Fossil
• Hamleys
• Just In Vogue
• Hidesign
• MAC by Shoppers Stop
• Mithaas by Shoppers Stop
• Rare Planet
• Relay
• Shoppers Stop
• Sunglass Hut
• Swarovski
• WK LIFE

Future expansion plans for Bangalore Airport

Under the new master plan, Terminal 1 at Bangalore Airport is set for a major upgrade. This renovation will include a complete overhaul of baggage handling, security systems, and other internal operations. Once finished, Terminal 1 will become a cutting-edge facility with the capacity to accommodate around 35 Mn passengers annually. The next phase involves completing Terminal 2, which will add capacity for an additional 20 Mn passengers per year. Additionally, there are plans to develop an Advanced Passenger Mover System (APM) to ensure smooth connectivity between Terminals 1, 2, and eventually 3.

Ownership of Kempegowda International Airport 

The airport is managed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), a public limited company. The Government of India has granted BIAL a 30-year operating licence, with the possibility of an additional 30-year extension. BIAL operates as a public-private consortium, with private stakeholders holding a 74% share – Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings at 43.64%, FIH Mauritius Investments at 20.36%, and Siemens Projects Ventures at 10%. The remaining 26% is held by government entities, specifically the Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation and the Airports Authority of India, each holding 13%.

Impact of Kempegowda International Airport on real estate

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bangalore has significantly impacted the real estate market in its surrounding areas, including Devanahalli, Yelahanka, Vidyanagar, and Kogilu. Devanahalli, where the airport is situated, has seen a dramatic transformation. Once a quiet town, Devanahalli has evolved into a vibrant commercial and residential hub, driven by the airport’s presence. The demand for property has surged, leading to numerous development projects and a notable increase in property values.

Nearby Yelahanka, about 20 kms from the airport, has similarly benefited from the enhanced connectivity. Known for its educational institutions and residential appeal, Yelahanka’s real estate market has flourished as more professionals and families seek the convenience of proximity to the airport. The rise in property values and new developments reflect the positive influence of the airport.

Vidyanagar, close to Yelahanka, has also experienced growth due to its strategic location and improved access. The area’s real estate market has seen increased demand for residential and commercial properties. Kogilu, another locality near the airport, has become a favoured spot for new developments, bolstered by its proximity to major roadways and the airport. Overall, Kempegowda International Airport has been a driving force behind the thriving real estate markets in these regions, contributing to their economic and infrastructural growth.

Contact details for Kempegowda International Airport

For queries or feedback, you can reach Kempegowda International Airport through the following details:

• Email: feedback@bialairport.com
• Phone: 080-22012001 / 080-66785555
• WhatsApp Chat Only: 8884998888
• Office Address: KIAL Rd, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560300

Housing.com POV

Kempegowda International Airport has established itself as a cornerstone of both Bangalore’s infrastructure and its economic growth. Since its inception, it has not only achieved remarkable milestones in passenger traffic but has also earned several accolades. The airport’s development, marked by its innovative Greenfield design and Public-Private Partnership model, has catalysed significant regional growth. The recent expansion, including the inauguration of Terminal 2 and plans for future upgrades, underscores the airport’s role in enhancing connectivity and accommodating growing demand. The impact on real estate has been substantial, particularly in Devanahalli, where the airport is located. Nearby localities like Yelahanka, Vidyanagar, and Kogilu have similarly experienced a surge in real estate activity, benefiting from improved connectivity and infrastructural developments. Looking ahead, the airport’s future expansions and modernization plans promise to further bolster its role as a key economic driver. With enhanced passenger facilities and continued real estate growth, Kempegowda International Airport is set to maintain its position as a vital asset for Bangalore and its surrounding regions.

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