The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) is preparing to issue an updated advisory regarding the flight closure hours at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), in light of the upcoming Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka. Initially, the airport had planned for a 47-hour closure between February 5 and 14, but this schedule is being revised due to the overwhelming demand for flights to Pragyaraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
BIAL sources confirmed that the original three-hour closure periods, which were set for both the mornings and afternoons, will now be shortened by 30 minutes each. This adjustment will reduce the closure duration to 2.5 hours, allowing more flights to depart for Pragyaraj, where many passengers are headed for the religious event. During the revised closure, 4 to 5 flights are expected to operate daily.
This change comes after extensive discussions between the airport operator, airlines, and other stakeholders, aiming to balance the needs of the Aero India event with the religious significance of the Kumbh Mela. Airlines have faced difficulties due to the clash of these major events, with flights to Pragyaraj already oversubscribed.
IndiGo, the largest airline in India, has stated that it will reimburse fares for flights booked during the closure period and may defer flight times if they fall within 10-15 minutes of the scheduled closure.
Experts are now advocating for a second airport or the temporary reopening of HAL airport to manage peak air traffic effectively during such emergencies.
The final advisory from BIAL is expected to be released in the coming days, providing passengers with detailed flight schedules and updated closure times.
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