Bengaluru: AAI consents HAL airport being thrown open to civilians

Bengaluru’s HAL Airport, once the city’s main aviation hub until 2008, is on track for a significant upgrade, according to reports. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved a master plan to modernize the airport, which currently handles about 12 small aircraft daily, including those for defense, VIPs, and private use.

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The planned revamp aims to prepare HAL Airport to handle up to 40 lakh passengers annually by 2047, with the capability to serve 2,500 passengers during peak hours. Prior to ceasing commercial operations in 2008, the airport had catered to over 10 lakh travelers in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Infrastructure upgrades include a six-story car parking facility for 500 vehicles and the widening of the terminal’s two-lane access road into four lanes for smoother traffic flow. While the airport’s 3,306-meter runway will remain unchanged, the exclusivity clause preventing the operation of other airports within 150 km of Kempegowda International Airport will expire on May 24, 2033, allowing HAL Airport to resume civilian operations.

Given Bengaluru’s rapid urban growth, the demand for a second airport continues to grow. HAL Airport is also expected to play a pivotal role in the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAAN), connecting nearby cities and boosting regional air travel.

The redevelopment signals a new chapter for HAL Airport, set to complement the city’s growing aviation needs.