Welcome to Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, a bustling hub of connectivity and innovation in the heart of India’s Silicon Valley.
With its IATA code BLR and ICAO code VOBL, this premier aviation facility spans an impressive 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) of land just 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Bangalore.
Since its inauguration in May 2008, this airport, owned and operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), has emerged as Karnataka’s beacon of modern air travel.
Named after Kempe Gowda I, the visionary founder of Bangalore, this airport symbolizes heritage and embraces sustainability.
Notably, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru stands as Karnataka’s first fully solar-powered airport, a testament to its commitment to eco-conscious aviation practices.
History
The journey of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB) traces back to the inception of aviation services in Bangalore.
Initially, the city was served by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport, established in 1942 primarily for military purposes.
However, as Bangalore burgeoned into a bustling metropolis, HAL Airport’s single runway and limited infrastructure proved inadequate to handle the escalating passenger traffic.
In 1991, recognizing the pressing need for a modern, expansive airport, a panel led by former chairman of the National Airports Authority of India (NAAI), S. Ramanathan, embarked on the quest to identify a suitable site for a new airport.
After thorough deliberation, authorities selected Devanahalli, a village approximately 30 kilometres north of Bangalore, as the ideal location.
Subsequently, in 1995, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Government of Karnataka initiated the process to solicit international consortia for the construction and operation of the new Greenfield airport
Thus laying the groundwork for the emergence of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
Designing
Anticipating a traffic of approximately 5 million passengers in its inaugural year of operations in 2008, the initial projections for KempeGowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) were conservative.
However, the escalating passenger numbers at HAL Airport, which had already surpassed 8 million by the commencement of the new airport’s construction, necessitated a strategic recalibration of the project’s scope and capacity.
This adjustment entailed a rigorous redesigning process and the acquisition of requisite approvals, extending the construction timeline.
The ambitious blueprint encompassed the construction of a state-of-the-art terminal boasting eight passenger boarding bridges, a double arm aerobridge.
Nine remote bus gates alongside a 4,000-meter runway complemented by efficient taxiways.
Furthermore, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s augmented infrastructure included an apron featuring 42 Code-C aircraft stands, with provisions for eight contact stands, bolstering its operational capabilities.
The comprehensive project, meticulously orchestrated to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency, was estimated to cost Rs 1,930 crore (approximately US$430 million).
Construction and Opening
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru witnessed its inception through the commencement of construction on 2 July 2005.
Projected initially to serve 6.7 million passengers by 2008, the airport’s design underwent a significant overhaul to accommodate a capacity of 11 million passengers, resulting in an increased cost of ₹19.3 billion (US$240 million).
Despite ambitious plans, delays ensued, pushing the launch date to 24 May 2008. Challenges mounted as concerns arose regarding the closure of HAL Airport, prompting protests and legal battles.
Nevertheless, the state government proceeded with the inauguration, marking a pivotal moment in Bangalore’s aviation landscape.
Renaming and Expansion
Formerly known as “Bangalore International Airport,” the facility underwent a significant transformation in nomenclature and infrastructure.
The State Government’s proposal to rename the airport after Bangalore’s founder, Kempe Gowda I, languished until December 2011, when a resolution was passed.
Eventually, in July 2013, the Union Government approved the change, and on 14, 2013, amidst the unveiling of an expanded terminal, the airport was officially christened Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
However, from its past, the airport saw shifts in airline dynamics, notably with Kingfisher Airlines’ demise in 2012.
However, other carriers swiftly filled the void, underscoring the airport’s resilience and adaptability in the face of industry shifts.
Additionally, the emergence of new players like Air Pegasus and AirAsia India further solidified its status as a prominent aviation hub, and you can explore it further by visiting famous places in Bengaluru.
Ownership
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is a testament to seamless collaboration between public and private entities.
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) assumes the reins of ownership and operation, enjoying a 30-year mandate bestowed by the Government of India, extendable for an additional 30 years.
Initially, GVK held a substantial 43% stake until 2018, when Fairfax Financial acquired the majority share.
Government bodies, including Karnataka State Industrial Investment and Development Corporation and the AAI, contribute 26% ownership.
The intricate balance between public and private stakeholders underscores the airport’s significance as a national asset.
Terminal 1
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 1 is a nexus of modernity and functionality, catering exclusively to domestic flights.
Spanning an impressive 150,556 square meters, this integrated terminal epitomizes efficiency, capable of servicing up to 20 million passengers annually.
Upon entry, passengers are greeted with streamlined check-in and baggage reclaim facilities on the lower floor, while departure gates beckon from the first floor.
The terminal boasts specialized areas, with gates meticulously arranged for domestic and international departures.
Notably, Gates 41–42 are paragons of innovation, primed to accommodate the mammoth Airbus A380.
Travel Food Services adds a touch of luxury with its meticulously curated lounges, including the exclusive VIP enclave spanning 930 square meters.
Terminal 2 Expansion
The first phase of Terminal 2, costing approximately ₹ 5,000 crore and spanning an expansive 255,000 sq. m., significantly boosts the airport’s capacity by accommodating an additional 25 million passengers annually.
Moreover, despite facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, construction commenced in 2018 and culminated in this impressive inauguration.
Looking forward to terminal 2 – KempeGowda International Airport Bengaluru, the planned second phase is poised to amplify capacity by an additional 20 million passengers annually, bolstering the terminal’s overall capacity to over 45 million passengers annually.
Aviation Fuel Services Enhancement
Adjacent to the cargo village and passenger terminal, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru boasts an 11-acre fuel farm.
Initially constructed by Indian Oil Skytanking Ltd (IOSL), this facility is now shared among multiple oil companies, optimizing efficiency and service delivery.
The inauguration of a 36-kilometre fuel pipeline in October 2008, connecting the storage terminal in Devanagonthi to the airport, marked a significant milestone.
This innovation replaced the cumbersome reliance on jet fuel transportation via tank trucks, alleviating traffic congestion and pollution concerns.
Cargo facilities
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru boasts a robust cargo infrastructure with three terminals catering to various logistics needs.
The first terminal, operated by AISATS (Air India Singapore Airport Terminal Services) Ltd, features a commendable capacity of 150,000 metric tons and includes specialized facilities for pharmaceutical storage.
Additionally, DHL and Blue Dart Aviation jointly manage a spacious 20,500-square-meter terminal, while Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd. operates the third terminal in collaboration with Bobba Group, offering a vast capacity of handling 280,000 metric tons of cargo annually.
The inauguration of a separate cargo village in December 2008 enhanced the airport’s cargo handling capabilities, providing amenities such as office spaces, conference rooms, and truck parking facilities.
IndiGo iFly Training Academy
Additionally, to another significant development, IndiGo, India’s premier airline, has expanded its renowned iFly Training Academy to Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
This initiative announced on 4 September 2019, marked the establishment of the airline’s second learning facility in India.
Commencing operations on 6 September 2019, the iFly Training Academy caters to the comprehensive training needs of IndiGo’s workforce, boasting over 27,000 employees.
With a team of over 100 instructors, the academy conducts regular workshops covering diverse areas such as on-the-job skills, customer service, safety protocols, and leadership training.
This expansion underscores IndiGo’s commitment to fostering excellence and proficiency among its staff members.
Conclusion
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has significantly transformed Karnataka’s aviation landscape since its inauguration in 2008.
With continuous expansions and enhancements, such as the recent development of Terminal 2 and the advanced cargo facilities, the airport adeptly meets the increasing demands of passengers and freight services.
Moreover, the airport’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency underscores its status as a leading global aviation hub.
Finally, with the introduction of facilities like the IndiGo iFly Training Academy, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru fosters growth in air travel and in the professional development of aviation personnel.
FAQ
Q. Does Bangalore have two airports?
A. No, Bangalore has only one airport, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
Q. Has Kempegowda Airport changed its name?
A. Yes, On 14 December 2013, officials renamed the airport “Kempegowda International Airport” during the inauguration of the expanded terminal building. Kingfisher Airlines once operated a hub and was one of the largest airlines at the airport.
Q. What is the old name of Bangalore airport?
A. Bangalore International Airport, or HAL Bangalore Airport, is about 4 km from the city centre. Established by Walchand Hirachand in 1940, the Royal Indian Air Force initially used it.
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