Bengaluru Braces For Aviation Boom, Discusses Second Airport To Ease KIA Traffic
Bengaluru is witnessing renewed momentum in discussions for a second international airport, a strategic imperative as Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) anticipates handling 110 million passengers annually by 2035. This proactive planning aims to future-proof the city’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and sustainable growth. The initiative underscores a commitment to fostering an eco-friendly urban environment by preparing for increased air traffic while striving for optimal operational efficiency.
The urgency surrounding a new aviation hub for Bengaluru stems from the projected exponential growth in air travel demand. With airport construction and commissioning typically spanning six to seven years, initiating the development process now is deemed critical to avoid future capacity constraints. The existing agreement with the current airport operator, which restricts the establishment of new airports within a 150-kilometre radius of KIA, is set to expire in May 2033. This timeline necessitates immediate action to ensure a smooth transition and continuous growth in air traffic, vital for the city’s economic dynamism.
Karnataka has proposed three potential locations for the expansive 4,500-acre facility: Kaggalipura and Harohalli along Kanakapura Road, and Chikkasolur on the Nelamangala–Kunigal route. However, aviation sector experts have voiced alternative perspectives, advocating for a site positioned between Bengaluru and Mysuru. Such a location, they argue, would more effectively serve the burgeoning tier-2 cities and industrial clusters in the surrounding regions, fostering more equitable regional development. Additionally, there have been suggestions to re-evaluate the potential of existing urban aviation facilities as supplementary hubs to alleviate pressure on the primary airport.
The path to a second airport is not without its complexities. Land acquisition remains a formidable challenge, with past experiences of farmer protests during the development of the existing airport making authorities cautious about potential public backlash in other districts. Adding another layer of intricacy, a neighbouring state is actively pursuing an international airport project in Hosur, located just under 150 kilometres from the current airport. This development introduces a competitive element, necessitating strategic coordination and approvals to ensure the optimal development of the regional aviation landscape.
Ultimately, the decision regarding Bengaluru’s second airport is a multifaceted one, balancing economic imperatives with environmental and social considerations. A carefully planned and sustainably developed second airport can significantly contribute to a zero net carbon future by optimising flight paths, reducing ground congestion, and facilitating the adoption of greener aviation technologies. Ensuring equitable access and minimal displacement for local communities during land acquisition will be paramount. This strategic infrastructure investment is crucial for Bengaluru to maintain its status as a global economic hub while striving to become a truly sustainable, well-connected, and inclusive metropolis for all its citizens.