BIAL aims to complete second phase of KIA’s T2 by 2029

The Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL), operator of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has set the target to complete the second phase of Terminal-2 by the end of 2029.

Girish Nair, chief operating officer, BIAL, said they are in the process of issuing the tender document, and the work would be awarded soon.

“Second phase of the Terminal-2 we are looking to complete by the end of 2029,” Mr. Nair told The Hindu. He added that the second phase of the Terminal-2, apart from being aesthetically appealing will be functionally efficient.

“We will continue to strengthen on what we have already delivered. It (second phase) is going to be extremely aesthetically appealing and functionally efficient for both the passengers and the airlines. It is very critical how you get your turnarounds quicker, how you bring down the walking distance and so on,” Mr. Nair said.

He added that the latest technologies and modern engineering will be incorporated which will make the airport and the terminal far superior.

“Today, I think we are arguably in the finest airport and finest terminal. Terminal 2 is India’s first terminal to receive the prestigious 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating from Skytrax. The second phase will be in that league,” he added.

The completion of the second phase of Terminal 2 will add capacity by an additional 20 million passengers per annum. With its completion by the end of 2029, the combined capacity of the existing Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 will be approximately 80 million passengers per annum.

Mr. Nair laid out the timelines for the completion of critical infrastructure projects in the airport, like the elevated western cross-field taxiway and the refurbishment of the Terminal 1.

“All these projects will be completed by the end of 2027 or early 2028. The western cross-field taxiway will bring in a lot of efficiency on the airside and Terminal 1 refurbishment will lead to the growth of domestic carriers,” he said.

The western crossfield taxiway project will increase airside capacity by connecting the South and North runways on the west side.

Highest single-day footfall

Mr. Nair said that KIA, which is the third busiest airport in the country, recorded its highest-ever single-day footfall on January 24 with 1,39,11 passengers.

In 2025, the airport recorded its highest-ever single-day count of 1,37,317 passengers on November 23.