Bengaluru Plans Second Airport As Passenger Traffic Set To Cross 110 Million
The long-anticipated plans for a second international airport in Bengaluru are gaining significant traction, with the state’s Infrastructure and Industries Minister preparing for crucial discussions with the Union Civil Aviation Minister. This renewed urgency stems from projections indicating that Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will handle an astounding 110 million passengers annually by 2035, necessitating immediate expansion of air capacity to avert severe congestion. The proposed development aims to future-proof Bengaluru’s connectivity, supporting its burgeoning economy and fostering sustainable urban growth.
Karnataka has identified and offered approximately 4,500 acres across three potential sites for the new airport: two along Kanakapura Road (near Kaggalipura and Harohalli) and one along Nelamangala–Kunigal Road. Each location, situated 25–45 kilometres from downtown Bengaluru, presents distinct advantages regarding connectivity and regional development potential. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already conducted site visits, and its feasibility report, expected by mid-July, will be instrumental in the final site selection process. This meticulous approach underscores a commitment to strategic planning, ensuring that the new infrastructure aligns with the city’s long-term environmental and social objectives.
Despite an existing concessionaire agreement that restricts the establishment of another airport within 150 kilometres of KIA until 2033, the state government remains optimistic that construction could commence by 2035, with an estimated completion timeline of six to seven years post-approvals. The debate surrounding the optimal location intensifies, with Kanakapura sites offering excellent access to South Bengaluru but potentially facing substantial land acquisition challenges and active farmer opposition. Conversely, the Nelamangala–Kunigal option benefits from its proximity to major highways like NH 75, making it a more viable choice for integrated regional development and potentially mitigating social impacts.
Land acquisition remains the most formidable hurdle, with ongoing protests from farming communities in rural and south Bengaluru already resisting proposals for aerospace parks and airport developments. The state government is actively studying precedents set by projects like Navi Mumbai and Noida airports, which operate successfully within similar 150-kilometre restriction zones, to refine its strategy for navigating these complex issues. Once land approvals are secured and strategic ground connectivity is established, the new airport is expected to unlock significant regional development, creating new economic opportunities and fostering more equitable growth.
Beyond a second airport, Bengaluru is also poised to embrace Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions, particularly air taxi services. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the existing airport operator and a private aviation firm to deploy electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis between Electronic City and KIA is a testament to this futuristic vision. This service, projected to cover the 52-kilometre distance in just 19 minutes, offers a transformative solution to Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion. Integrating air taxi corridors with conventional ground infrastructure around key growth areas like Kanakapura, Nelamangala, and Electronic City presents a practical, complementary approach to future-proofing the city’s mobility. As the AAI’s findings emerge and state-central discussions progress, Bengaluru’s aviation ecosystem is on the cusp of a profound transformation, moving towards a hybrid transit model that promises enhanced connectivity and a more sustainable urban future.
