Kempegowda International Airport
Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL) is the main international airport serving Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, India. Located in Devanahalli, about 30 kilometres north of the city centre, it is one of India’s busiest airports in terms of passenger and cargo traffic. The airport is operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and serves as a major hub for Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air.
The airport features two state-of-the-art terminals, a dual-runway system, a dedicated cargo village, and several modern amenities. Known for its efficiency, green architecture, and world-class services, Kempegowda International Airport has consistently ranked among the best airports in South Asia.
History
The airport was inaugurated on 24 May 2008, replacing the overburdened HAL Airport. It was developed under India’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airport project. In 2013, it was officially named after Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru.
Key milestones include:
- 2008: Airport opened for operations
- 2014: Major expansion of Terminal 1
- 2019: South Runway (second runway) opened
- 2023: Terminal 2 (T2)—also called the Garden Terminal—became operational
- 2024–2025: Continued expansion of airport city and transport infrastructure
Location
- Coordinates: 13.1986° N, 77.7066° E
- City: Bengaluru
- State: Karnataka
- Distance from city centre: ~30 km
The airport is connected to Bengaluru via the six-lane Kempegowda International Airport Road, with future metro connectivity underway.
Terminals
Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 handles most domestic flights and a few regional international services. It is a modern terminal with expanded check-in counters, boarding gates, lounges, and a wide range of retail and dining outlets.
Features
- Dedicated domestic arrival and departure areas
- Food courts, cafés, and lounges
- Duty-free shopping for international departures
- Airline and independent business lounges
Terminal 2 (T2) – The Garden Terminal
Terminal 2 is the airport’s newest terminal, designed with a nature-themed concept featuring lush greenery, indigenous plants, bamboo-based architecture, and energy-efficient materials. It primarily handles international flights and premium domestic services.
Key Highlights
- State-of-the-art immigration and security
- Forest-themed interiors and hanging gardens
- Extensive retail and duty-free offerings
- Multiple premium lounges
- Automated check-in and self-bag-drop systems
Runways
Kempegowda International Airport operates two independent runways:
| Runway | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Runway | 4,120 m | Original runway, supports wide-body aircraft |
| South Runway | 4,000 m | CAT III-B compliant, supports low-visibility operations |
The dual-runway setup allows simultaneous takeoffs and landings, greatly improving air traffic capacity.
Airlines and Destinations
The airport is connected to over 75 domestic and international destinations. Major airlines include:
- Domestic: Air India, Akasa Air, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Alliance Air
- International: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, AirAsia
Regular international destinations include Dubai, Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Paris, Riyadh, and more.
Passenger Services and Facilities
Lounges
- 080 Domestic Lounge
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- International Business Class Lounges
- Airline-operated lounges
Food & Beverage
- International fast-food chains
- South Indian restaurants
- Global cafés
- Bars and speciality dining options
Shopping & Duty-Free
- Luxury brands
- Electronics
- Perfumes and cosmetics
- Local handicrafts
Other Facilities
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Medical centres and pharmacies
- Baby care rooms
- Prayer rooms
- Sleeping pods (T2)
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage wrapping and porter services
Transport & Accessibility
How to Reach Kempegowda International Airport
BMTC Vayu Vajra Buses
Air-conditioned buses connect almost every major neighbourhood in Bengaluru to the airport.
Metro Rail (Under Construction)
The Namma Metro Blue Line Extension will directly connect the airport to the city once completed.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
- Airport taxis (Meru, Karnataka Taxi)
- Ride-share services: Ola, Uber, BluSmart
Car Rentals
Multiple rental agencies offer both self-drive and chauffeur-driven vehicles.
Private Vehicles & Parking
- Short-term and long-term parking
- Valet parking
- Multi-level parking facilities
Cargo Operations
The airport has one of India’s most advanced cargo complexes, with facilities for:
- Perishables
- Pharmaceuticals
- E-commerce shipments
- Live animals
- Temperature-controlled storage
Major international cargo carriers operate daily services, including DHL, FedEx, Blue Dart, Emirates SkyCargo, and Qatar Airways Cargo.
Future Developments
- Completion of the metro line for seamless travel
- Expansion of T2 to increase capacity to 40+ million passengers
- New hospitality and commercial zones in BLR Airport City (AURA)
- Planned Terminal 3 (T3) to accommodate future growth
- Enhancements in digital automation and passenger processing
See Also
- Airports Authority of India
- Air transport in India
- HAL Bengaluru Airport
Conclusion
Kempegowda International Airport stands as one of India’s most advanced and eco-friendly airports, offering high connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and traveller-centric services. Continual expansion and innovation make it a central aviation hub for South India and an important gateway for international travel.
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