Tata Group airlines, in collaboration with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), are set to transform Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport into a premier aviation hub for southern India. The initiative aims to boost international flights from India’s tech capital over the coming years, with a special focus on enhancing connectivity and passenger experience.
As part of the agreement, Tata Group’s flagship carrier Air India will establish a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bengaluru Airport. Additionally, Air India, along with other Tata Group airlines—Air India Express and Vistara—will collaborate with BIAL to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience.
The partnership also entails strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport by expanding the network and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travelers of Tata Group airlines.
While Air India and Vistara primarily operate international flights from Delhi and Mumbai, Bengaluru Airport, India’s third-largest in terms of passenger footfall, will see increased long-haul services. Air India Express, with a dense network in Bengaluru, is expected to further enhance its operations in the city.
With the consolidation of Tata Group’s airline business, synergies among full-service carriers and budget airlines are anticipated, leading to a more robust network. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Air India and the Karnataka government for the MRO facility underscores the commitment to strengthening Bengaluru’s aviation sector and generating employment opportunities.
Bengaluru, described as a highly attractive origin and destination market and connecting hub, is poised for significant growth in long-haul routes. The collaboration between Air India and BIAL aligns with the government’s vision to develop major Indian airports as aviation hubs with enhanced passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Air India’s plans for expanding its long-haul network complement the government’s vision, reflecting a strategic focus on developing major airports as key aviation hubs. This collaboration represents a significant step towards realizing Bengaluru Airport’s potential as a primary international gateway in southern and central India.
