Bengaluru airport introduces Connections by BLR for seamless transfer experience

The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has introduced Connections by BLR, a transfer experience designed to make connecting journeys seamless.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said that the new service is built to address common challenges in the transfer process and is anchored on three pillars: Ease, Efficiency, and Experiential.

“In collaboration with airlines and other stakeholders, Connections by BLR simplifies and standardises the transfer journey for passengers across terminals to deliver an enhanced travel experience. This initiative strengthens KIA’s positioning as a transfer-focused gateway, supported by expanding infrastructure and growing passenger traffic,” BIAL said.

Key enhancements

Key services and enhancements include, dedicated transfer desks across terminals for assistance, colour coded (Blue and Yellow) wayfinding signages that are easily identifiable, dedicated transfer zones, complimentary inter-terminal shuttle connectivity with predictable minimal wait times, choice of lounges available for relaxation and comfort, curated retail and F&B options within transfer areas, sleeping pods for short stays, transit hotel facilities at T1 and T2, featuring boutique rooms, offering convenient in-terminal stays for longer layovers.

BIAL said that the international transfer traffic at the airport has grown by over 30% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand and long-term potential.

Transfers currently account for around 15% of total passenger traffic and are expected to rise to 20% by 2026, as seamless transfers become increasingly important for both passengers and airline network planning.

BIAL said that this growth also reflects the airport’s emergence as a preferred transfer gateway in the region, supported by ongoing infrastructure developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment, and Terminal 2 expansion.

“The sustained growth in transfer traffic reflects both the depth of our network and the strategic opportunity ahead. With ‘Connections by BLR’, we are institutionalising a more seamless and reliable transfer journey while strengthening the operating environment for our airline partners. This initiative positions us to deepen network connectivity, attract new flows, and support the next phase of scalable growth at KIA,” Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL said.

Transfer hub

KIA connects to 114 passenger destinations, including 80 domestic and 34 international cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune are among the top domestic routes, while Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur lead the international network. Recent additions include Hindon, Bidar, Jaisalmer, Silchar, and Navi Mumbai domestically, and Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Krabi, Hanoi, and Riyadh internationally.

BIAL added that with its strategic geographical location and expanding network, the airport is well positioned to serve as a key global gateway and the introduction of Connections by BLR further reinforces its progression toward becoming a transfer hub.