Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is handling more passengers every year. With the city expanding rapidly, the current airport is expected to reach its full capacity soon. To meet future demand, the Karnataka government has planned a second international airport near Bengaluru. On March 7, 2025, the state government sent a proposal to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, recommending three possible locations for the new airport. These locations have been chosen based on land availability, connectivity, and expansion potential.

Proposed Locations for the New Airport

The Karnataka government has suggested three locations for the new airport. The first location is along Kanakapura Road in Bangalore Urban district, where about 4,800 acres of land has been identified. The second location is also along Kanakapura Road but falls under Ramanagara district, covering 5,000 acres. The third proposed location is along Kunigal Road in Nelamangala, where authorities have identified around 5,200 acres for the project. The state government has assured the Ministry that at least 4,500 acres of land will be made available at any of these sites if approved.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Advantages

Among these options, the sites along Kanakapura Road are of particular interest because they are diagonally opposite to Kempegowda International Airport. The site near Harohalli in Ramanagara district is also well connected to Bengaluru’s metro network, being just 10 km away from the last station on the Green Line. The site at Kunigal Road in Nelamangala also offers excellent connectivity through national highways, making it a viable option.

Reducing Congestion at Kempegowda International Airport

The government believes that having a second airport in Bengaluru will significantly reduce pressure on Kempegowda International Airport, which is already operating at a high capacity. Right now, the airport sees more than 37 million travelers each year, and that number is only going to go up. Adding a second airport will help with air traffic, make flying a smoother experience for everyone, and keep up with the rising demand for air travel in Karnataka.

Economic Benefits of the Second Airport

Apart from reducing congestion, a second airport will also boost Bengaluru’s economy.With a new airport coming in, it’s likely we’ll see a boost in investments in aviation, logistics, and real estate. Plus, it’s going to help the tourism scene and give businesses a chance to grow thanks to better connections. With better air travel facilities, Bengaluru will strengthen its position as a global business hub.

Job Creation and Infrastructure Development

Another significant advantage of the second airport is the creation of jobs. The construction and operation of the airport will generate thousands of employment opportunities in different sectors, including airport management, transportation, hospitality, and infrastructure development. The presence of a second airport will also encourage the development of new roads, metro lines, and other public transport systems in the surrounding areas.

Approval and Implementation Process

The approval process for the second airport will follow multiple steps. A team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will visit the three proposed locations to assess their suitability for airport construction. The team will evaluate factors such as land availability, environmental impact, and existing road and rail connectivity. Based on their recommendations, a financial feasibility study will be conducted to determine the investment required.

Once a site is selected, the government will move forward with land acquisition. The process will involve negotiations with landowners to ensure fair compensation and smooth acquisition of land. After this, the final airport design will be approved, and construction will begin in different phases. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation will oversee the project to ensure its timely completion.

Challenges in the Project

Despite the potential benefits, the project also comes with challenges. One of the main hurdles is land acquisition, as private landowners may resist selling their land. The government will need to negotiate effectively and offer fair compensation to avoid delays. Another challenge is infrastructure development. For the airport to be successful, proper roads, metro connectivity, and public transport facilities will need to be developed. Additionally, environmental concerns must be considered, as some locations may have forests, water bodies, or wildlife that require protection.

Government’s Commitment to Execution

The Karnataka government has assured that it will take all necessary steps to ensure the smooth execution of this project. The authorities are working towards getting fast approvals, ensuring fair land acquisition, and developing the required infrastructure. The government is also focusing on attracting private and foreign investment to fund the project efficiently.