Passenger load, proximity to present airport would influence decision on site of second airport in Bengaluru, says Minister MB Patil

Amid speculations over the location of Bengaluru's second civilian airport, Industry and Infrastructure Minister MB Patil on Sunday said he would soon hold a meeting with officials to decide on the site.

Passenger load and connectivity to the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) would be the influencing factors for the choice of the potential site, the minister told the media.

"If we prioritise passenger load, areas such as Sarjapura and Kanakapura Road are strong contenders," Patil said. "On the other hand, if connectivity to the existing airport becomes a priority, places like Tumakuru and Dabaspet will be in the lead." These considerations will be discussed at the next departmental meeting and later with the Chief Minister. The subject would then go to the Cabinet, the minister said.

The exclusivity clause with the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which restricts the establishment of another airport within a 150-kilometer radius, ends in 2032, allowing the potential development of a new airport by 2033. "Considering the time required for land acquisition and compensation for landowners, the government has initiated the planning process," Patil said.

Major cities like New York and London have multiple airports in close proximity. "In Mumbai, the distance between the two airports is 36 kilometers," he said.

Regarding the Tamil Nadu government's decision to build an airport in Hosur, Patil mentioned that it needs to be examined whether the exclusivity clause with BIAL applies to it.