Bengaluru's Second Airport In The Works: Feasibility Study Launched

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, announced plans for constructing a second international airport in Bengaluru. Patil has instructed officials to submit a feasibility report for the new airport in the tech capital.

In an X post, MB Patil said, "New Airport plans on the horizon. I held a preliminary discussion with officials regarding the construction of a second airport to address the future needs of our rapidly growing global metropolis. I have directed the authorities to submit a feasibility report for the new airport."

The minister emphasized the need for a new airport to accommodate future flyers in the rapidly expanding city. He noted that Kempegowda International Airport is currently the third busiest airport in the country after Delhi and Mumbai, handling 37.5 million passengers and over 4 lakh tonnes of cargo last year. "This immense pressure highlights the necessity for a second airport to accommodate future growth," MB Patil added.

Earlier, Hari Marar, CEO of Kempegowda International Airport, advocated for an alternative airport in Bengaluru. He predicted that 92 million passengers would board and deboard in Bengaluru annually over the next decade, necessitating another airport.

Marar also pointed out the challenges of land acquisition for the new airport. "Acquiring land for an airport in a city like Bengaluru is not an easy job. It is important to focus on better connectivity and mobility with a foresight on upcoming years," he said.

In November 2022, Kempegowda International Airport launched its second terminal, which now handles international airlines and some domestic flights. The first phase of Terminal 2, with a built-up area of roughly 2.5 lakh square meters, cost an estimated Rs. 13,000 crores. An additional 4.41 lakh square meters will be added during the second phase.

Possible location of second airport

The state government is actively considering the Tumakuru-Chitradurga stretch as a potential location for the new airport. Minister MB Patil mentioned that the government is in the early stages of identifying suitable sites, drawing inspiration from cities like Mumbai and Goa, which have successfully implemented multiple airports.

While reopening the old HAL airport was initially considered, concerns about limited space for growth led the government to explore alternative options. Proposals are being examined in the Tumakuru-Chitradurga stretch, though several locations are deemed unviable due to potential expansions or traffic considerations.