Bengaluru Requires a Second or Third Airport

09 Aug 2024 CW Team

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.

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