With Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) nearing its full passenger handling capacity, Karnataka has taken a significant step toward establishing a second international airport for Bengaluru. A technical team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has arrived in the state to inspect three proposed greenfield airport sites.
According to The Hindu, inspections are scheduled from April 7 to 9, focusing on two sites along Kanakapura Road and one along the Nelamangala–Kunigal Road. The shortlisted locations range between 4,800 and 5,200 acres, aligning with the central government’s requirement for at least 4,500 acres for such a large-scale infrastructure project.
The site visit includes technical presentations by the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), which is steering the project. AAI officials will examine critical parameters such as topography, climate data, proximity to transport infrastructure, water bodies, and terrain elevation. They will also assess detailed documentation like revenue maps, satellite images, and data from the Survey of India.
Minister MB Patil reiterated the urgency of the new airport, citing the expected expiration of the 150-km exclusivity clause around KIA by 2033. “We’ve already allocated ₹1.21 crore for the feasibility study. A multidisciplinary AAI team will evaluate the sites thoroughly,” he said.
As passenger traffic surges in Bengaluru, the state government aims to fast-track this vital infrastructure expansion to meet the city’s growing economic and travel demands.
