With Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) expected to handle 110 million passengers annually by 2035, Karnataka is proactively planning for a second airport. Minister MB Patil is set to meet Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to push for the proposal, which aims to reduce future congestion and support the city’s rapid growth.
Possible Locations Explored
In April, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) inspected three potential sites — Kaggalipura, Harohalli, and Chikkasolur — located 25-45 km from Bengaluru city. These were chosen from seven earlier shortlisted locations, with the state offering 4,500 acres of land. However, aviation experts are skeptical about these options due to space and connectivity limitations.
Expert Opinions Suggest Better Alternatives
Aviation expert Devesh Agarwal believes none of the proposed sites are ideal. He recommends placing the new airport between Bengaluru and Mysuru, leveraging the new expressway and catering to nearby tier-2 cities. He also suggests the revival of HAL Airport, arguing that many countries successfully operate in-city airports.
Legal and Policy Challenges
Karnataka faces a major legal hurdle — the current concession agreement with BIAL, which bars any new airport within a 150-km radius until May 2033. Despite this, the state believes the timing is right, as building a new airport will take 6–7 years.
Hosur Airport Proposal Adds Pressure
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has fast-tracked its proposal for an international airport in Hosur, also within 150 km of KIA. This adds competitive pressure on Karnataka, especially as the Centre has made it clear that BIAL, Tamil Nadu, and the Centre must all agree on such developments.
Land Acquisition – A Tough Road Ahead
Land acquisition remains a thorny issue. Past farmer protests over an aerospace park in Devanahalli have made the state wary. Resistance is anticipated again in the Bengaluru South and Rural districts, potentially delaying the second airport even further.
Conclusion
Karnataka’s renewed focus on airport expansion reflects foresight, but political, legal, and logistical complexities must be resolved before any runway is built.
