As Bengaluru’s air travel demand continues to surge, the Karnataka government is moving closer to selecting a site for the city’s second international airport. Kunigal, a town located along National Highway 75, has emerged as a frontrunner, according to a recent report. The area between Dabaspet and Kunigal is being considered after a comprehensive review of various potential locations.
Rising Air Travel Demand Necessitates a New Airport
Bengaluru, India’s third-largest city, is witnessing unprecedented air travel growth, with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) already operating at full capacity. This has made the need for a second airport urgent, especially with other major cities like Delhi and Mumbai set to open new airports in the near future.
Home Minister G Parameshwara commented on the potential site selection, saying, “The Tumkuru area, including Kunigal, is under consideration. The plan is to locate the new airport near Dabaspet, close to Tumkuru, though nothing is confirmed yet.” He highlighted that Tumkuru is rapidly developing into Asia’s largest industrial hub, covering 20,000 acres in phases. The region is also seeing industrial growth with over 150 industries already established, along with the HAL helicopter factory and the construction of a Japanese township.
Site Evaluation and Technical Feasibility
The area along National Highway 75, between Dabaspet and Kunigal, has been identified as the most suitable site for the new airport after careful evaluation. However, technical feasibility will ultimately determine whether this site will be finalized. One major challenge to the process is a rule that stipulates that new airports must be at least 150 km away from existing airports, a restriction in place until 2032. This narrows down the pool of potential locations, complicating the decision-making process.
While the older HAL Airport, Bengaluru’s former primary airport, is no longer a viable option for major commercial flights, a second airport is critical to support the city’s growing air connectivity needs and reduce pressure on KIA.
Strategic Importance and Regional Competition
The proposed second airport would not only relieve strain on the current airport but also facilitate smoother connectivity for Bengaluru, particularly in light of its expanding industrial and commercial landscape. Meanwhile, neighboring states are also considering building new airports near Bengaluru, potentially adding competition for valuable air traffic.
As Bengaluru continues to grow, this second international airport will be crucial in supporting the city’s future air travel demands and ensuring efficient connectivity across the region.
