Bengaluru Airport: International Flight Operations Commence At Newly Built Terminal-2

International flight operations have begun at the newly built Terminal-2 (T2) of the Bengaluru International Airport.

Saudia Airlines was the first foreign carrier to take flight. International operations of 29 airlines will shift to T2 today (12 September).

In addition, Air Asia, Air India, Star Air, and Vistara will continue their domestic operations from T2. Both Air India and IndiGo will also operate international flights from T2, while IndiGo will continue its domestic operations from T1.

T2 is well-equipped to handle 25 million flyers annually. It boasts of nine baggage screening zones and nine baggage claim belts. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has installed 17 pre-departure security check zones at the terminal.

According to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) officials, T2 will have a dual operation of both international and domestic flights.

Initially, T2 was scheduled to begin its international operations on 31 August. However, BIAL announced a day before the planned start that the shifting of international operations to T2 had been postponed.

BIAL stated that the last-minute decision was made during the final preparedness review, to ensure a smooth and optimal transition for passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated T2 on 11 November 2022. It officially became operational on 15 January 2023.

Terminal-2

Spanning a built-up area of 255,000 sqm, Terminal-2, for which planning began in 2018, is equipped to handle at least 25 million flyers annually.

The first phase of T2 was constructed at a total expenditure of Rs 5,000 crore.

According to airport authorities, once Phase-2 is completed, the terminal will have the capacity to cater to an additional 20 million passengers. With the integration of Terminal-1 and Terminal-2, the airport's overall capacity will reach a minimum of 65 million passengers annually, added the officials.

The new terminal is referred to as “Terminal in a Garden”, and has been conceived as a dedication to Bengaluru, incorporating in its design the city’s greenery, its blend of tradition and modernity, and its primacy as a technology hub.

T2 is built on the premises of ‘sustainability’, ‘technology’, ‘innovation’ and ‘art’. 

In October 2018, BIAL awarded the contract to L&T’s Buildings & Factories business for construction of the T2. The contract includes design, procurement, engineering, construction, testing and operations of Terminal-2.