Karnataka explores alternate site for second airport

04 Dec 2023 CW Team

Minister MB Patil mentioned that the state is in the early stages of identifying suitable locations for the new airport. He remarked that the state is drawing inspiration from cities like Mumbai and Goa, which have successfully implemented multiple airports within a single city, emphasizing the need to carefully assess air-traffic viability for airports surrounding the proposed second airport in Bengaluru.

Nevertheless, guidelines from the Airports Authority of India dictate that no greenfield airport will normally be allowed within an aerial distance of 150 km from an existing airport. In cases where a second airport is permitted in the same city or close vicinity, the parameters for the distribution of traffic between the two airports will be clearly specified.

Patil stressed the importance of evaluating the air-traffic viability for airports surrounding the proposed second airport in Bengaluru. The selected location must provide sufficient land for a fully functional airport and allow for future expansion. Officials within the Infrastructure Development Department conveyed that this decision was communicated to the Bangalore International Airport Ltd during the consideration of a 60-year lease extension. BIAL, responsible for Kempegowda International Airport, reportedly accepted the proposal.

Although the reopening of the old airport in HAL was initially considered, concerns about limited space for growth prompted the government to explore alternative options. The proposals are currently under examination in the Tumakuru-Chitradurga stretch. However, several locations are deemed unviable due to existing airports, potential expansions, or traffic considerations.

In a bid to accommodate the anticipated growth of Bengaluru and enhance air-travel infrastructure, the state government is actively contemplating the establishment of a second airport. The Tumakuru-Chitradurga stretch is currently on the drawing board as one of the potential locations, closer to the IT-BT capital. The primary facility, as affirmed by Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil, will remain Kempegowda International Airport. Minister MB Patil mentioned that the state is in the early stages of identifying suitable locations for the new airport. He remarked that the state is drawing inspiration from cities like Mumbai and Goa, which have successfully implemented multiple airports within a single city, emphasizing the need to carefully assess air-traffic viability for airports surrounding the proposed second airport in Bengaluru. Nevertheless, guidelines from the Airports Authority of India dictate that no greenfield airport will normally be allowed within an aerial distance of 150 km from an existing airport. In cases where a second airport is permitted in the same city or close vicinity, the parameters for the distribution of traffic between the two airports will be clearly specified. Patil stressed the importance of evaluating the air-traffic viability for airports surrounding the proposed second airport in Bengaluru. The selected location must provide sufficient land for a fully functional airport and allow for future expansion. Officials within the Infrastructure Development Department conveyed that this decision was communicated to the Bangalore International Airport Ltd during the consideration of a 60-year lease extension. BIAL, responsible for Kempegowda International Airport, reportedly accepted the proposal. Although the reopening of the old airport in HAL was initially considered, concerns about limited space for growth prompted the government to explore alternative options. The proposals are currently under examination in the Tumakuru-Chitradurga stretch. However, several locations are deemed unviable due to existing airports, potential expansions, or traffic considerations.