Bengaluru’s Second International Airport Likely in South Bengaluru, Says Deputy CM

Karnataka has moved a step closer to finalising the location for Bengaluru’s long-discussed second international airport. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed on Tuesday (November 18) that the government is now considering South Bengaluru as the preferred region for the new airport. His comments were made during the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 and come at a time when the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been evaluating possible sites for several weeks.

The new development provides the clearest indication yet of where the second airport may be built, after months of speculation and a formal shortlisting process initiated last month.

Three Potential Sites Were Under Evaluation

According to earlier reports, the state government had previously identified three possible locations for the second airport. These included:

• Two sites on Kanakapura Road, specifically near Kaggalipura and Harohalli

• One site on Kunigal Road in the northern part of the city

These areas were selected for their accessibility and potential to support long-term infrastructure expansion. However, until Shivakumar’s latest statement, no final decision had been communicated.

During his address, the Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that South Bengaluru is now the region being assessed more closely for the project, aligning with two of the pre-identified sites on Kanakapura Road.

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Preliminary Work Has Already Begun

Earlier, Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development and Industries Minister, M B Patil, stated that the government has started preliminary groundwork for the new airport. This early-stage preparation is critical because a regulatory rule currently prevents the construction of another international airport within a 150-km radius of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) until 2033.

Patil emphasised that beginning groundwork now will allow the new airport to be ready by the time the restriction expires. He also noted that infrastructure projects of this scale typically require at least five to six years to complete, making early planning essential.

Learning From Other Indian Cities With Two Airports

At present, only New Delhi (Noida Airport) and Mumbai (Navi Mumbai Airport) have two international airports operating or under construction. Karnataka plans to consult the developers of these airports to gain insights into planning, execution, and operational models.

Additionally, the government is watching developments in Tamil Nadu, which has been exploring a new airport project in Hosur, located close to the Karnataka border. Coordination between states may become necessary given the proximity and potential impact on air traffic and passenger distribution.

Factors That Will Influence the Final Decision

Although the government appears inclined toward South Bengaluru, officials clarified that several factors will ultimately determine the final site. These include:

• Passenger traffic projections

• Industrial development needs

• Connectivity and ease of access

• Long-term demand and expansion feasibility

• Overall convenience for the public

The final decision, authorities say, will depend on “merit, convenience, and future demand,” ensuring the airport can effectively serve Bengaluru’s rapidly growing population and economic activity.

A Strategic Move for Bengaluru’s Aviation Growth

With Kempegowda International Airport experiencing strong passenger growth every year, the need for a second airport has become increasingly evident. The city’s expanding tech and industrial corridors, particularly in the south, further support the case for locating the new airport in that region.

While an official notification is yet to be issued, Shivakumar’s announcement marks an important step toward shaping Bengaluru’s aviation future.

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