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

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry of Cooperation Inaugurates NCOL Organic Packaging Facility

The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated a new state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The centre is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining high hygiene and quality standards. Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called the facility a major milestone in promoting the Bharat Organics brand. The initiative aims to empower farmers and expand access to certified organic produce across India, while offering premium prices to farmers and affordable organic food to consumers. Un..

Next Story
Equipment

Handling concrete better

Efficiently handling the transportation and placement of concrete is essential to help maintain the quality of construction, meet project timelines by minimising downtimes, and reduce costs – by 5 to 15 per cent, according to Sandeep Jain, Director, Arkade Developers. CW explores what the efficient handling of concrete entails.Select wellFirst, a word on choosing the right equipment, such as a mixer with a capacity aligned to the volume required onsite, from Vaibhav Kulkarni, Concrete Expert. “An overly large mixer will increase the idle time (and cost), while one that ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?