HAL airport set for comeback: Bengaluru plans commercial flights before 2033

Bengaluru’s iconic HAL airport is gearing up for a grand revival with a brand-new terminal, seven-storey parking, and phased expansions, all before BIAL’s exclusivity ends.

Bengaluru’s aviation landscape is set for a major transformation as plans are underway to reopen the HAL airport for commercial flights before May 2033, marking a significant milestone for the city’s air travel network. The 150-km exclusivity clause currently held by Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will expire in 2033, but preparations are being made to begin operations earlier if a no-objection certificate (NOC) is secured.

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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled a detailed 10-year master plan to redevelop HAL airport, which served as Bengaluru’s main airport from 1941 to 2008. The project includes demolishing the current terminal by 2030, constructing a new state-of-the-art facility, and expanding in phases to match future passenger traffic demand.

Key highlights of the plan include a seven-storey parking facility, a commercial complex, and widening of the approach road to accommodate growing footfalls. The revamped airport aims to decongest KIA and bring air connectivity back to the heart of the city.

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Ownership and operational rights are expected to be put up for auction, opening doors for competitive bidding. The project carries the potential to reshape urban connectivity, enhance convenience for city residents, and reduce travel times for fliers in Bengaluru’s core areas.

If commercial operations start before the exclusivity period ends, it would mark a historic return of civilian passenger flights to HAL after nearly 25 years.

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