Did you know Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru proudly stands as the first Greenfield Airport in India established on a Public-Private Partnership model? Yes, it's true, in fact, this is the stepping stone in Indian aviation as it revolutionized the private sector in this industry. Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), founded under the Companies Act of 1956, was established in January 2001 to construct, own, and manage BLR Airport on a 60-year concession basis. Let's know all about this international airport, its history, its facility, and the awards won by this mass infrastructural project.

BRIEF SUMMARY

BLR Airport began operations in May 2008, following the start of development. The airport has experienced a remarkable increase in passenger traffic, with over 33 million passengers in 2019, making it one of the world's fastest-growing airports. BLR Airport, the busiest airport in South India and the third biggest in the country reached a historic milestone on December 1, 2023, when it surpassed 300 million passengers.

Locality: Devanahalli

Site: Spread over 4,000 acres

Operated by: Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL)

Opening date: May 2008

Nearest train station: Yelankara Junction [18km]

History of Kempegowda International Airport

Before the inception of BLR Airport, the city's air traffic was managed by HAL Airport, which was built in 1942 primarily for military and defence purposes. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that HAL began accommodating civilian flights, with international services arriving in the late 1990s. However, as Bengaluru’s population and business landscape rapidly expanded, HAL Airport, with its single runway and limited capacity, could no longer meet the growing demand.

In 2001, the State Government of Karnataka laid the foundation for a new airport by establishing BIAL as a special-purpose entity. The agreement between the State Government, the Union Government, and BIAL was signed in July 2004, setting the stage for a new international airport that would address Bengaluru's burgeoning passenger and cargo needs. After a decade of planning, land acquisition, and shareholder agreements, construction finally began, culminating in the opening of the airport in May 2008.

Location and Connectivity

BLR Airport is strategically located in Devanahalli, approximately 40 km north of Bengaluru’s city centre. The airport site spans over 4,000 acres, making it one of the largest airports in India by area. Its proximity to major roadways and railway stations enhances accessibility, with Yelankara Junction being the nearest train station, situated 18 km from the airport.

Passenger Growth at Kempegowda International Airport

Kempegowda International Airport has witnessed phenomenal growth since its inception. Starting with modest numbers, it became one of the fastest-growing airports globally, handling over 33 million passengers in 2019. By December 2023, the airport had surpassed 300 million passengers, a historic milestone that underscores its vital role in the region’s aviation landscape. The 2023-24 fiscal year saw the airport manage an impressive 37.5 million passengers and over 439,000 tonnes of cargo, cementing its position as India’s third busiest airport.

Terminals and Facilities

BLR Airport boasts two operational passenger terminals:

Terminal 1 (T1):

Primarily handles domestic flights but also caters to some international services.

Terminal 2 (T2):

Designed with a vision to incorporate nature into modern architecture, T2 is an architectural marvel. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), inspired by Bengaluru’s moniker as the “Garden City,” infused the terminal with greenery at every corner, from hanging plants to lush green walls and open-air spaces. The bamboo-lattice ceiling of T2 is a highlight, offering passengers a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

The airport also has two parallel runways, enabling it to efficiently handle the growing number of flights and passengers.

Green Initiatives: A Solar-Powered Future

Kempegowda International Airport is a trailblazer in sustainability. It became Karnataka's first fully solar-powered airport, a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint of aviation. CleanMax Solar, the project developer, has enabled BLR Airport to meet its energy needs using renewable sources, further positioning it as an eco-friendly leader in the industry.

Awards and Recognitions

BLR Airport has been widely recognized for its excellence in operations, customer service, and sustainability. In 2024, it garnered multiple prestigious awards:

Best Airport in India & South Asia at the Skytrax World Airport Awards

Best Airport for Arrivals Globally by Airports Council International (ACI) World

Best Airport of the Year at the Wings India Awards

These accolades underscore the airport’s commitment to quality and innovation, both in terms of passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Flights and Destinations

As of 2024, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru serves 102 destinations across the world through 40 airlines. This makes it a significant hub for both domestic and international travel. Major airlines operating from the airport include:

Air India

IndiGo

British Airways

Lufthansa

Qatar Airways

Emirates

Singapore Airlines

Whether flying to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or within India, passengers have numerous options to choose from at BLR Airport.

The Legacy of Kempe Gowda

Kempegowda International Airport is named in honour of Kempe Gowda, a revered figure in Bengaluru's history. A 16th-century ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire, Kempe Gowda is credited with founding the city of Bengaluru. Naming the airport after him reflects the region’s rich historical heritage and its modern aspiration to be a global city.

Conclusion

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is more than just an aviation hub; it is a landmark of innovation, sustainability, and progress. From its design that incorporates nature to its role in shaping India's aviation sector, BLR Airport continues to set new benchmarks for efficiency, passenger satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. As it moves into the future, this world-class facility is expected to play an even larger role in connecting India with the world, both as a major travel hub and as an example of modern infrastructure development.