Bengaluru Requires a Second or Third Airport
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Bengaluru Requires a Second or Third Airport

Just as airlines compete with each other, it was suggested that airports should also compete similarly, as evidenced by cities like London, New York, and Paris. Bengaluru, being a major cosmopolitan city, attracts highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, and a variety of industries. The presence of more airports would foster healthy competition, leading to improved service quality, reduced prices, and increased air travel. This would ultimately benefit both the city's residents and the city itself in numerous ways.

Currently, a resident of Electronic City in southeast Bengaluru, or those living in the Jigani industrial area, Hosur, or Bidadi, who needs to catch a flight, faces a journey of three hours or more to reach Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in north Bengaluru. Besides the time required reaching the airport, the longer air travel time to various domestic destinations adds to the overall cost, making air travel less affordable for ordinary people who might otherwise prefer it.

For instance, when Air Deccan was operational, the then chief minister requested a flight to Bidar in the northernmost part of Karnataka, which was a 15-hour road trip from Bengaluru. Those who could afford it typically flew from Bengaluru to Hyderabad and then travelled by road to Bidar. Although Air Deccan was offered a civilian enclave by the Air Force in Bidar to facilitate flights, the company operating Hyderabad's airport had an agreement that prevented any airline from flying to a new airport within 150 kilometres of Hyderabad. Consequently, Bidar remained without air connectivity.

Additionally, large private airports, which cater to major airlines operating wide-body aircraft carrying 200-450 passengers, generate substantial revenue from landing and handling charges, as well as ancillary services like airport lounges and shopping. They often do not prioritise smaller regional aircraft that serve 20-75 passengers, particularly those from rural areas who cannot afford high costs. When these airports are pressured by the government to accommodate smaller flights, they charge excessively high rates.

Just as airlines compete with each other, it was suggested that airports should also compete similarly, as evidenced by cities like London, New York, and Paris. Bengaluru, being a major cosmopolitan city, attracts highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, and a variety of industries. The presence of more airports would foster healthy competition, leading to improved service quality, reduced prices, and increased air travel. This would ultimately benefit both the city's residents and the city itself in numerous ways. Currently, a resident of Electronic City in southeast Bengaluru, or those living in the Jigani industrial area, Hosur, or Bidadi, who needs to catch a flight, faces a journey of three hours or more to reach Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in north Bengaluru. Besides the time required reaching the airport, the longer air travel time to various domestic destinations adds to the overall cost, making air travel less affordable for ordinary people who might otherwise prefer it. For instance, when Air Deccan was operational, the then chief minister requested a flight to Bidar in the northernmost part of Karnataka, which was a 15-hour road trip from Bengaluru. Those who could afford it typically flew from Bengaluru to Hyderabad and then travelled by road to Bidar. Although Air Deccan was offered a civilian enclave by the Air Force in Bidar to facilitate flights, the company operating Hyderabad's airport had an agreement that prevented any airline from flying to a new airport within 150 kilometres of Hyderabad. Consequently, Bidar remained without air connectivity. Additionally, large private airports, which cater to major airlines operating wide-body aircraft carrying 200-450 passengers, generate substantial revenue from landing and handling charges, as well as ancillary services like airport lounges and shopping. They often do not prioritise smaller regional aircraft that serve 20-75 passengers, particularly those from rural areas who cannot afford high costs. When these airports are pressured by the government to accommodate smaller flights, they charge excessively high rates.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Flender Inaugurates Wind Gearbox Test Rig In Chennai

Chennai, 6 March 2026: Flender has inaugurated a 13.5 MW wind turbine gearbox test rig at its Walajabad facility near Chennai, marking the installation of the largest test rig of its kind in India. The facility was inaugurated on 5 March in the presence of Andreas Evertz, CEO, Flender Group; Lars Wiegemann, Vice President – Wind Gears; and Vinod Shetty, CEO, Flender India.The test rig has been developed to support testing and validation of wind turbine gearboxes, strengthening the company’s capabilities in the renewable energy sector. The commissioning was completed within three months thr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

BMW Industries partners with IOCL for PNG supply at Bokaro plant

BMW Industries has entered into a strategic partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) for the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG), reinforcing its commitment to adopting cleaner and more efficient energy sources for its operations.The agreement was signed at the Eastern Region Pipelines (ERPL) headquarters in Kolkata. The partnership is expected to support the company’s upcoming manufacturing facility in Bokaro by facilitating the use of natural gas as a primary energy source.According to the company, the adoption of PNG will help enhance operational efficiency while also contributing to ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Bombay Realty Secures RERA for Three ICC Tower in South Mumbai

Bombay Realty, the real estate arm of Bombay Dyeing and part of the Wadia Group, has received Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) certification for Three ICC – Wing A, the latest luxury residential tower at Island City Center in Mumbai’s Dadar.The RERA registration marks a key milestone in the development timeline and reinforces the company’s focus on regulatory transparency, timely project delivery, and high construction standards.Following the success of One ICC and Two ICC, the upcoming Three ICC tower represents the next phase of the Island City Center development. The project ai..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement