Bengaluru’s second airport location to be finalised soon: Infra Minister M B Patil

Clarifying recent speculations, Patil dismissed reports that suggested a final decision had already been made regarding the airport’s location. He stated that five sites have been shortlisted, including Dabaspet, Nelamangala, Bidadi, and Harohalli. A new location was also discussed during the meeting. “No final decision has been made yet. We are still in the process of reviewing the identified sites,” Patil said.

Patil emphasised that the focus would be on public convenience and supporting industrial growth when selecting the location. He further noted that the decision will be made without political influence, ensuring that the chosen site best serves the interests of the public and economic development.

To aid this process, officials have been directed to prepare feasibility reports for the shortlisted locations. The urgency of finalising a second airport location stems from the anticipated congestion at Kempegowda International Airport.

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is projected to reach its maximum passenger-handling capacity by 2033 and its full cargo-handling capacity by 2040. With the city’s rapid growth and increasing air traffic, a second airport is seen as a necessary step to avoid future overcrowding and delays. However, establishing a second airport in Bengaluru poses challenges due to existing contractual agreements.

When Kempegowda International Airport was inaugurated in Devanahalli, a clause was introduced prohibiting the construction of another airport within a 150-kilometre radius until 2033.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also attended the meeting, stressed that the new airport must meet international standards and serve as a world-class facility. He cautioned against building a second airport solely to compete with Tamil Nadu’s planned facility in Hosur, which is located near Bengaluru. “We must create an airport with global standards, spread across 5,000 acres of land,” he reportedly said.