Amid increasing passenger demands at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Tamil Nadu’s plans for an airport in Hosur, the Infrastructure Development Department is advancing plans for a new airport near Bengaluru.
KIA, situated near Devanahalli, witnessed a record 37.5 million passengers last year, with numbers steadily rising despite the recent addition of Terminal 2. This has sparked discussions on the necessity of Terminal 3 and the urgent need to alleviate congestion.
In response, Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil recently convened a meeting to kickstart preparations for the new airport. Officials are now tasked with identifying suitable locations and preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The Airport Authority of India has already begun scouting potential sites in the Bangalore countryside and Ramnagar district, adhering to regulations governing airport proximity within a 150-kilometre radius.
Minister Patil underscored the importance of timely planning and preparation to ensure seamless implementation. This decision comes in the wake of Tamil Nadu’s plans for an international airport in Hosur, underscoring the strategic importance of regional connectivity amid escalating air traffic demands.
