Bengaluru's second airport: Four potential locations identified

The Karnataka government is set to decide on the location of the proposed second airport in Bangalore. MB Patil, the state's infrastructure minister, announced on July 7 that a meeting would be held soon to finalise the location, considering the passenger load and connectivity issues with the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

MB Patil said the government has already identified four or five tentative locations near Bengaluru for the new airport. The exclusivity clause of Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which currently prevents setting up of another airport within a 150 km radius, will expire in 2032. Patil added that planning for the new airport has started early because of the time taken for land acquisition and compensation to landowners.

“If we prioritise passenger numbers, areas like Sarjapura and Kanakapura Road are strong contenders. However, if connectivity with the existing airport is the target, places like Tumakuru and Dobbaspet will take the lead,” Patil said. These factors will be discussed in an upcoming ministerial meeting and then taken up with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

KIA, India's third busiest airport after Delhi and Mumbai, handled 37.5 million passengers and over 400,000 tonnes of cargo last year. The airport is expected to reach its maximum passenger capacity by 2033 and its maximum cargo capacity by 2040.