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

Blue Dart posts revenue growth in FY26 on e-commerce and B2B demand

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s express air and integrated transportation and distribution company, has reported year-on-year growth in revenue for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, driven by strong momentum in e-commerce shipments and B2B surface express solutions.Announcing its financial results after the Board Meeting held in Mumbai, the company said revenue from operations rose to Rs 6,141 crore in FY2025–26, compared to Rs 5,720 crore in FY2024–25. Profit after tax for the year stood at Rs 240 crore.For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Blue Dart reported revenue from..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Terex launches TRAC vibration analysis system

Terex®, a global provider of specialised equipment solutions, has launched TRAC, a new vibration analysis system designed to deliver deeper insight into the performance, condition and long-term structural integrity of screening equipment.Announced in Hosur on May 11, 2026, the TRAC system is now available across screening equipment offered under Terex Materials Processing (MP) brands, including Powerscreen®, Finlay®, EvoQuip®, MDS®, Terex® Washing Systems, Terex® MPS (Cedarapids®, Simplicity®), MAGNA™ and Terex® Ecotec.Developed specifically for vibratory screening equipment by Ter..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ADIO partners Motherson to set up large automotive components hub in KEZAD

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced its support for Samvardhana Motherson International Limited’s (Motherson) new manufacturing hub in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step in strengthening the emirate’s position as a global centre for advanced manufacturing and automotive supply chains.ADIO said the partnership aligns with its strategy to accelerate high-value industrial investments and build resilient supply chains across priority sectors, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a regional and global manufacturing and export hub.Under the partnership, a large-scal..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement