Bengaluru Airport: Terminal 1 Revamp To Begin In August, Terminal 2 Expansion Set For 2028 Completion

Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) is gearing up for substantial improvements and expansions across its terminals and cargo facilities in the coming years, aiming to enhance passenger capacity and cargo handling capabilities.

The refurbishment of Terminal 1 is slated to commence in August 2024, with preliminary work already in progress to minimise disruptions for travellers during the renovation phase. This entails transforming international areas into domestic zones and upgrading baggage, security, and other facilities to accommodate 35 million passengers.

Simultaneously, Terminal 2 (T2) is undergoing a significant expansion project. The initial phase of expansion covers around 255,000 square metres and is designed to accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually.

Plans for the second phase, expected to be finished by 2028, will add another 200,000 square metres, increasing annual capacity by an additional 20 million passengers.

Terminal 1 manages 70,000 passengers daily, while Terminal 2 caters to 40,000 passengers daily.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal 2 in November 2022. It is built on the premises of ‘sustainability,’ ‘technology,’ ‘innovation,’ and ‘art.’

Additionally, plans are underway to connect T1, T2, and eventually T3 with a rail system for seamless passenger movement, replacing the current shuttle bus service operating every 7-8 minutes between T1 and T2.

In tandem with passenger growth initiatives, BIAL is also focusing on expanding its cargo handling capabilities. The airport aims to ramp up its capacity to handle up to 1 million metric tonnes of cargo annually by the end of the decade.

To support the surge in cargo volumes, ongoing infrastructure projects include the development of a new Domestic Cargo Terminal and a cutting-edge logistics park. Managed by Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS), the logistics park will provide 370,000 square feet of Grade-A warehouse space, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as cold storage and custom bonded facilities.

Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, emphasised the airport's commitment to strengthening its market position in the cargo sector. He highlighted BIAL's leadership in perishable exports and outlined comprehensive plans to upgrade cold chain facilities and terminal infrastructure, reports Deccan Herald.

Strategic collaborations with cargo airlines and logistics firms further bolster BIAL's ability to offer competitive solutions and maintain high standards in cargo handling services.

BIAL currently ranks as India's third-largest airport, connecting 76 domestic destinations and 25 international destinations with the participation of 36 airlines and 13 freight carriers.