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

CONCOR Launches Double-stack Service Between NCR and Varnama

State-run Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has launched double-stack container train services between the National Capital Region (NCR) and Varnama near Baroda. This initiative aims to facilitate customers at Nhava Sheva near Mumbai, home to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (J N Port). On December 21, the first double-stack container train from Khatuwas and Dadri in NCR reached CONCOR’s Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Varnama, situated along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The train carried export cargo destined for J N Port, according to a statement from the state..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Less than 10% of Rs 40 Billion State-aid for Shipbuilding Utilised

A government-sanctioned financial assistance program worth Rs 40 billion, intended to support local shipbuilders over a decade starting in April 2016, has seen minimal utilisation, with only Rs 3.85 billion—less than 10 per cent of the total fund—disbursed thus far. With 15 months remaining before the scheme concludes, its uptake has been limited. The financial aid applies to shipbuilding contracts signed between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2026. According to a written response provided by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to the Rajya Sabha on December ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Civil Aviation Minister Opens New ATC Tower at Indore Airport

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, inaugurated the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower-cum-technical block at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. During the inauguration, the minister toured the facility, where ATC experts explained various technical aspects of tracking and coordinating flights from the newly constructed tower. In addition to the ATC tower, the airport has also introduced a zero-waste plant. The union minister confirmed that this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainability. Minister Ki..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000