Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) is preparing for major upgrades to its terminals and cargo systems to handle more passengers and goods in the future.
Starting in August 2024, Terminal 1 will undergo renovations to improve the passenger experience. This includes better baggage handling, security, and overall facilities to support up to 35 million travelers annually. Some international routes will be converted for domestic use to ease the flow.
Terminal 2 is also being expanded in a big way. The first phase adds about 255,000 square meters, aiming to serve 25 million passengers each year. The second phase, expected to finish by 2028, will add another 200,000 square meters, boosting capacity by another 20 million passengers.
Currently, Terminal 1 handles around 70,000 passengers daily, while Terminal 2 sees 40,000. Terminal 2 was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022 and focuses on themes like art, sustainability, technology, and innovation.
Looking ahead, BIAL plans to build Terminal 3 by the late 2020s or early 2030s. Once complete, the airport will be able to manage 90 to 100 million passengers every year.
To make movement easier, BIAL is also planning to link all three terminals—T1, T2, and the upcoming T3—to a rail network. This will replace the current shuttle bus system that runs every 7 to 8 minutes between T1 and T2, providing smoother travel for passengers.
In addition to passenger upgrades, BIAL is focusing on improving its cargo handling. By the end of the decade, the airport wants to manage up to 1 million metric tonnes of cargo each year.
Projects underway include a new domestic cargo terminal and a modern logistics park. The park, run by Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS), will cover 370,000 square feet and feature top-quality facilities like cold storage and bonded warehouses.
BIAL’s Chief Operating Officer, Satyaki Raghunath, said the airport is working hard to stay ahead in the cargo industry. He highlighted BIAL’s strong performance in exporting perishable goods and said there are plans to expand cold storage and improve terminal facilities, according to a report by the Deccan Herald.
The airport is also teaming up with cargo airlines and logistics companies to improve service quality and offer competitive solutions.
Right now, BIAL is India’s third-largest airport. It connects to 76 cities within India and 25 international destinations, serving 36 passenger airlines and 13 cargo carriers.
