The state government of Karnataka is on the verge of a key decision regarding a second international airport for Bengaluru, as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) prepares to submit its report on potential locations within the next few days. The findings will follow an expert assessment of various sites earlier this year and are expected to be placed before the Cabinet for deliberation before a final decision is taken.
The move reflects Bengaluru’s growing need for expanded aviation infrastructure to manage increasing passenger traffic and industrial connectivity. Currently, Kempegowda International Airport serves as the city’s primary gateway, and under existing agreements, no new airport can be established within a 150-kilometre radius until 2033. Officials emphasise that planning must begin now to ensure a second airport is operational within the stipulated timeline, noting that large-scale airport projects typically require five to six years to complete.
The AAI’s report is anticipated to recommend multiple sites based on a combination of passenger density, industrial requirements, and connectivity considerations. Feasibility assessments will also involve airport construction companies, ensuring that project execution aligns with technical and operational requirements. Government sources stress that the final decision will prioritise merit, convenience, and future demand, rather than political influence or regional preference.
Potential locations under review include northern and southern Bengaluru, with specific attention to sites near Chudahalli, Somanahalli, and Magadi-Nelamangala. Local legislators have also suggested Tumkur and other surrounding regions as alternatives, highlighting the strategic importance of regional development alongside city-centric planning. The Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) has allocated ₹1.21 crore to fund the AAI’s feasibility study for these shortlisted sites.
State officials indicate that insights from existing multi-airport cities in India, such as New Delhi and Mumbai, will inform planning decisions. The government also intends to coordinate with neighbouring states, particularly Tamil Nadu, which plans a new airport in Hosur near the Karnataka border, ensuring seamless inter-state aviation management.Beyond site selection, experts note that the project will require comprehensive integration with Bengaluru’s transportation and logistics ecosystem, including road, rail, and public transit networks. The development of a second airport is projected to bolster regional economic growth, improve passenger convenience, and strengthen Bengaluru’s position as an international business and technology hub.With Bengaluru’s aviation demand projected to surge over the next decade, the upcoming AAI report is a critical milestone. Observers stress that timely and transparent decision-making will be essential for balancing infrastructural growth with sustainable urban planning and environmental considerations.
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