Terminal 1 At Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport To Undergo Major Renovation From August

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) is set to transform Terminal 1 (T1) at Kempegowda International Airport into a state-of-the-art facility, exclusively catering to domestic flights. The refurbishment work is expected to commence by August 2024, with preparations already underway to ensure a smooth transition.

After 16 years of operations, Terminal 1 is due for a major facelift. The upgrade will focus on enhancing passenger amenities, infrastructure, and operational facilities to provide a seamless travel experience. The refurbishment will begin with the relocation of IT rooms, demolition of the west bus boarding gates, and relocation of office spaces.

"BIAL will upgrade facilities like baggage handling systems, check-in, security, departure lounges/hold rooms, and transfer security. In addition, there will be extensive upgrades to passenger amenities, infrastructure, and operational facilities to enhance the overall passenger experience," said a BIAL spokesperson.

The refurbished Terminal 1 will feature new facilities such as a dedicated entry for passengers without check-in baggage, a silent zone for quiet relaxation, a PRM (persons with reduced mobility) zone for enhanced accessibility, and children's play areas. Retail and F&B zones will also undergo a significant facelift to offer a wider range of options and better service to passengers.

The refurbishment work will be conducted in stages to minimize disruptions to airport operations. While the majority of the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, continuous assessments and phased implementations will ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency throughout the process.

Currently, the combined capacity of T1 and T2 is 52 million passengers per annum (MPPA). Following the completion of the T1 refurbishment, the total capacity will increase to 60 MPPA. Phase 2 of T2, which includes the development of 40% of the area on the airport's south side, will add an additional capacity of 20 million passengers.

The refurbished Terminal 1 is expected to provide a smoother and more efficient experience for domestic passengers. The airport's growth plan also includes the development of Terminal 3 (T3) in the late 2020s or early 2030s, which will boost its capacity to an impressive 90-100 million passengers annually.

With this makeover, BIAL aims to enhance the overall passenger experience at Kempegowda International Airport and cater to the growing demand for air travel in Bengaluru.