Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru

Its History and Why it's Important Now

The idea for Kempegowda International Airport came about because HAL Airport Bangalore, the city's old airport, couldn't handle the growing number of flights. HAL Airport, located closer to the city center on Old Airport Road Bangalore, was originally established in January 1941 as India's first aircraft factory and later began commercial flights in 1946. But as Bangalore became India's "Silicon Valley," the old airport just wasn't big enough. Its city location also made expansion hard.

So, a new, bigger, and modern international airport was needed outside the city. This led to Kempegowda International Airport. It was India's first Greenfield Airport built through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It opened in May 2008, which was a big step for Bangalore's air travel.

Kempegowda International Airport is famous for many things:

• Its pioneering PPP model for airport development in India.
• It grew very quickly to become one of the busiest airports in the country.
• It focuses on great passenger experience and modern facilities, especially with the beautiful Terminal 2.
• It's Karnataka's first fully solar-powered airport.

The airport continues to be important because it keeps growing, high operational efficiency, and helps boost the region's economy. It supports many airport jobs and related businesses.

Terminals: T1 and the 'Terminal in a Garden' T2

BLR Airport has two advanced terminals:

• Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 1 (T1): This airport terminal 1 mainly handles domestic flights for most airlines. It ensures smooth operations for many travellers flying within India.
• Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 (T2): This airport terminal 2 opened in November 2022 and began full operations in January 2023. International flights started from T2 on September 12, 2023. T2 also serves some domestic airlines like Air India, Vistara, and Star Air. It's known for its "Terminal in a Garden" design, which mixes modern style with green spaces, making it a calm and beautiful place for travellers.

Kempegowda International Airport Photos

Connectivity: Reaching to BLR Airport

Getting to BLR Airport is easy, thanks to good roads and many transport choices:

• Road Network (Airport Road): The main way to reach the airport is by the special Airport Road (NH 44, or Bellary Road). This international airport road is kept in good condition for smooth travel.
• BMTC Airport Bus (Vayu Vajra): The BMTC airport bus service, called Vayu Vajra, offers frequent, air-conditioned buses from different parts of Bangalore, including East Bangalore, to the airport. For example, the BMTC airport bus route from Sarjapur to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is KIA-8D. The first bus from Sarjapur to the airport is at 7:00 AM and the last bus is at 11:05 PM. You can find Bangalore airport bus timings on the BMTC website.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: You can easily find taxis and app-based services like Ola and Uber 24/7 for direct travel to and from the airport.
• Future Airport Metro: The airport metro project, part of Namma Metro's Blue Line (ORR-Airport Metro Line), is being built.
  • Phase 2A (Central Silk Board to KR Puram) should open by mid-2026.
  • Phase 2B (KR Puram to the airport) is planned to open by early 2027 (or around June 2026). This will directly connect the airport to the city's metro network, offering fast, traffic-free travel. The nearest metro station to Bangalore airport will eventually be right at the airport.
• Kempegowda International Airport to Bangalore City Railway Station: The airport is about 33-35 km from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC). Driving there can take 50 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Kempegowda International Airport to Mysore Distance: If you're going to Mysore, the distance from Bangalore airport to Mysore is about 143 km by road. This trip usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
• From Nambiar District 25: For those living at Nambiar District 25 on Sarjapur Road, the airport is around 50 km away. Travel time by road is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. Future metro extensions, like the Red Line and Yellow Line connecting to the Blue Line, will significantly enhance this access.

Airport Facilities & Passenger Experience

BLR Airport aims to provide a world-class travel experience with many services:

• Diverse Dining & Retail: A wide array of food and beverage options, duty-free shopping, and various retail outlets.
• Airport Lounges: Relax in various Bangalore airport lounge options like Plaza Premium Lounge. Many of the best international airport lounge access credit card offers give free entry to these comfortable spaces.
• Airport Parking: There's plenty of airport parking for both short and long stays. Airport car parking typically costs about ₹600 for 24 hours, with ₹350 for each extra day, at both T1 and T2 parking areas.
• Hotels: Several Bangalore airport hotel like 080 Transit Hotel, Taj Bangalore and many more options are nearby for travellers needing to stay overnight or during a layover.
• Medical Services: Aster Airport Medical Centre provides quick medical help right at the airport.
• Other Services: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, baggage services, prayer rooms, car rentals, and special services from companies like Bangalore Airport Terminal Services Pvt Ltd for cargo, parking, and curbside help.

Latest News & Unique Features at BLR Airport

BLR Airport is always growing and adding new things for travelers:

• Record Profit in 2025: In May 2025, Kempegowda International Airport reported its first-ever record profit since opening, showing strong financial health and strategic growth.
• Signature Fragrance: "Dancing Bamboo": BLR Airport has launched its own special scent, "Dancing Bamboo." You'll notice it mainly in Terminal 2. This unique smell aims to make your airport experience more calming and memorable.
• Major MRO Facility by IndiGo: In May 2025, IndiGo announced plans to build a significant Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at BLR Airport, indicating growing aviation infrastructure.
• Future Expansion: Terminal 3 (T3) & 100 Million Passengers: A USD 2 billion expansion plan was approved in February 2025, which includes upgrading Terminal 1, expanding T2 capacity, and earmarking space for Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Terminal 3 (T3). This ambitious plan aims for the airport to serve more than 100 million passengers each year soon, along with features like an automated people mover between terminals and potential suburban rail connectivity.

Operational Enhancements & Key Events

Beyond daily news, BLR Airport focuses on smooth operations and hosts big events:

• All-Weather Operations (CAT III B ILS): BLR Airport uses advanced CAT III B Instrument Landing System (ILS) on its runways. While highly capable, full operationalization across both runways (making it the only airport in India with this feature on all runways) is ongoing, awaiting necessary infrastructure upgrades. This technology helps flights land safely even when visibility is very low, like in fog, reducing flight delays and diversions.
• Western Crossfield Taxiway (WCT): Construction has begun on this key airside infrastructure project, which will connect the existing runways. The WCT is planned to be operational by early 2027, significantly improving aircraft flow and reducing taxi times.
• Aero India 2025 Impact: Aero India, a major aerospace exhibition, is set for February 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station nearby. This event often affects flight schedules and operations at BLR Airport, showing how important the region is for aviation.

Broader Aviation Context

• Airports in Karnataka: Karnataka has several airports, but BLR is the main international one. Other important airports include Mangaluru and Hubballi.
• How many airports in India: India has over 34 operational International Airports, showing its big role in global aviation. BLR is always ranked among the top.
• Bengaluru Second Airport: Talks about a Bengaluru second airport have started again because BLR Airport is getting very busy. Karnataka is actively pushing the Centre to finalize a site (with locations like Kanakapura Road and Kunigal Road being surveyed). While plans are early, a legal agreement means building can't start before 2033. This shows a long-term plan for more air travel capacity in the area.

Your Journey from Here

Whether you're traveling for business, vacation, or just using the modern facilities, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru aims to make your trip easy and pleasant. For detailed directions, you can check the Bangalore airport map on the official airport website.