BENGALURU: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to submit its expert report on the proposed second international airport for Bengaluru within the next two or three days, according to industries and infrastructure development minister M.B. Patil. The long-awaited report will play a key role in determining where the city’s next major aviation hub will come up, as Bengaluru’s passenger traffic continues to grow rapidly.
AAI inspection and site options
The AAI team conducted site inspections in April 2025, visiting two potential locations identified by the state government — one along Kanakapura Road in Bengaluru South, and another near Nelamangala–Kunigal Road in Bengaluru Rural district. “Once we receive the report, it will be discussed by the cabinet before a final decision is taken,” Patil said on Thursday.
He added that the AAI may recommend both sites as viable options, following which airport construction firms will assess the financial feasibility of each. “It’s not that they will build an airport wherever the government allots land,” Patil clarified, emphasising that the process would be transparent and data-driven.
Legal and planning considerations
The minister explained that the government had initiated preliminary groundwork in line with an existing clause that bars the launch of another international airport within 150 km of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) until 2033. “If we begin the groundwork now, the second international airport will be ready by then,” Patil said, noting that large-scale aviation projects typically require five to six years for completion.
Currently, New Delhi (Noida) and Mumbai (Navi Mumbai) are the only two Indian cities operating or developing dual international airports. Karnataka, he said, aims to follow a similar model to manage future air traffic demand.
Consultation and regional balance
Patil mentioned that the state government plans to consult developers of Noida and Navi Mumbai airports to learn from their experiences in planning and execution. He also acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s proposal to develop an international airport in Hosur, close to the Karnataka border, as an important factor in strategic planning.
Meanwhile, legislators from North Karnataka have suggested locating the airport near Tumakuru, while others favour sites in South Bengaluru. The minister noted that all proposals are being considered carefully to ensure a balanced and well-informed decision.
Passenger density and future growth
According to Patil, factors such as passenger density, industrial development, logistical accessibility, and future expansion potential will be critical in the final selection. “Ultimately, the decision will be made purely on merit, keeping in mind convenience and future demand,” he said.
With Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport handling over 37 million passengers annually, authorities believe a second airport will be essential by the next decade to sustain the city’s growing economic and travel demands.
The government’s proactive approach indicates it aims to avoid future congestion issues similar to those faced in Mumbai and Delhi before their second airports were approved. Once the AAI’s expert report is tabled, the state cabinet will hold discussions with stakeholders, including aviation experts and potential private developers, before taking a final call on the location.
Conclusion
The upcoming AAI report marks a key step toward Bengaluru’s long-term aviation expansion. With careful planning, inter-agency coordination, and foresight, Karnataka hopes to position itself as a major aviation hub in South India. As the minister noted, the goal is not just to add capacity but to create a sustainable, future-ready airport that can serve Bengaluru’s growing population and global connectivity needs beyond 2033.