Bengaluru: Alleged runway traffic jam at Bengaluru airport sparks conversation on growing air traffic

Bengaluru, a city already notorious for road traffic congestion, recently witnessed an unusual sight—traffic jams on its airport runway. A video circulating on social media captured the rare scene at Kempegowda International Airport, showing a line of aircraft waiting for clearance to take off. The footage, shared by Karnataka Portfolio, sparked widespread discussion on social platforms about Bengaluru’s escalating air traffic issues.

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The video highlights the challenges faced by one of India’s busiest airports as it grapples with the increasing volume of air travel. Kempegowda International Airport, a major aviation hub, has seen a surge in passenger numbers and flight operations in recent years, contributing to operational strains during peak hours.

"Bengaluru is not only famous for its road traffic congestion, but today even the runway at Bengaluru Airport experienced a similar situation. A significant number of aircraft were seen queued up, waiting for their turn to take off, creating a rare 'traffic jam' in the airport… pic.twitter.com/SeXJ7cVaBu

— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) November 8, 2024

The incident has raised questions about the airport's infrastructure and capacity to handle the growing demand efficiently. Experts have pointed out that while expansion projects, including the opening of a second runway and terminal, have aimed to alleviate congestion, instances like this reveal a potential need for more robust air traffic management strategies.

This unexpected runway congestion underscores the broader need for proactive measures to accommodate rising air travel, ensuring Bengaluru's airport operations keep pace with its increasing passenger and flight load.