Karnataka moves forward with plans for second Bengaluru airport

The Karnataka government is making progress on its plans to build a second airport in Bengaluru, having already paid ₹1.21 crore to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for land assessments. State Industries Minister MB Patil announced that AAI officials will evaluate three proposed sites between April 7 and April 9 to determine the best location for the new airport.

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Bengaluru’s growing air traffic has prompted the government to fast-track this project to meet the increasing demand for air travel. Minister Patil stressed the importance of a second airport to accommodate the rising passenger numbers and fulfill commercial needs. He stated, "A multidisciplinary team from AAI will conduct a feasibility study from April 7 to April 9, and the government has already allocated ₹1.21 crore for the assessment. With the 150-km airport restriction ending by 2033, we are speeding up the process."

Three locations have been identified for the new airport: two on Kanakapura Road and one on Nelamangala-Kunigal Road. The Kanakapura sites cover 4,800 and 5,000 acres, while the Nelamangala-Kunigal site spans 5,200 acres. The government is committed to providing at least 4,500 acres for the project at one of these sites. Although Tumakuru has been proposed by some as a potential location, Patil dismissed it, stating that the airport must be close to Bengaluru to serve the city effectively. With passenger traffic at Kempegowda International Airport expected to reach 90 million by 2033, the government is keen to finalize a site and get necessary approvals swiftly.