Kempegowda International Airport

Kempegowda International Airport is approximately 20.4 km from Brigade Eternia via NH 44, taking about 30 minutes by car. Another route via NH 44 and BK Halli Road covers 21.8 km and takes around 40 minutes. The longest route, spanning 25 km via SH 9, takes about 42 minutes. Public transports are available all the time. These varying travel times offer convenient options for reaching Brigade Eternia, making it accessible for frequent flyers and travelers seeking proximity to Bengaluru's primary airport.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) serves Bengaluru, India, and is one of the busiest airports in the country. It is located in Devanahalli, about 40 kilometers from the city center. Opened in May 2008, the airport replaced the old HAL Bangalore International Airport and has grown to become the third-largest airport in India, as well as the largest in South India. In the year ending March 2023, it served 31.91 million passengers, with the majority coming from domestic flights and a smaller number from international destinations.

The airport spans 4,000 acres of land and is managed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). This was the first airport in India to be privately owned and operated. The construction began in 2005, and the plans for the airport had been discussed as early as 1993. Initially, the airport was planned to handle 3.5 million passengers per year, but with the increasing number of air travelers, the plans were revised to accommodate 12 million passengers annually. Later, further expansions were made to ensure it could handle even more travelers.

The design of the airport was updated to include more gates, a larger terminal building, and extra infrastructure. The airport features 53 check-in counters, 18 self-check-in kiosks, & eight air bridges, making it easier for passengers to board flights. There are also fouty-two aircraft stands, along with fueling facilities & remote bus stops for passengers. The parking lot can hold 2,000 cars, offering convenience for visitors.

One of the main features of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is its runway system. It initially had only one runway, which could accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380. In December 2019, a second runway was opened, making it the first airport in India with parallel runways. This allows planes to land and take off at the same time, improving efficiency. A third runway is also planned, which will help handle even more flights in the future.

The passenger terminal at Kempegowda Airport is a four-story building that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal has a floor area of 73,347 square meters, with the ability to accommodate 2,300 people during busy times. The design focuses on simplicity, with smooth passenger flow and minimal maintenance. All buildings at the airport adhere to international standards set by the (IATA) International Air Transport Association.

BIAL, which is the entity responsible for running the airport, is owned by private investors and the state government. The private companies involved in the airport project include Siemens, Zurich Airport, and Larsen and Toubro. Over the years, these companies have sold stakes in the airport to GVK Power & Infrastructure Limited (GVKPIL), which now holds a significant share.

Looking ahead, Kempegowda International Airport is set to expand even further. A new passenger terminal and a third runway are part of these plans. The airport will continue to play an essential role in connecting Bengaluru to the rest of the world, supporting the city’s growth as a business and technology hub.