The eagerly anticipated new Terminal 2 (T2) at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) was inaugurated today by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. 

The new terminal adds an extra 25 million to the hub’s annual passenger capacity and teams an eye-catching ‘terminal in a garden’ concept with sustainability credentials, hi-tech innovations and art and culture to create a modern space that’s rooted in culture. The result is described as providing a ‘memorable destination experience’ for travellers.

The inauguration event was hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of BLR Airport, and also attended by: the Honourable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot; the Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Basavaraj Bommai; Union Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Minister, Pralhad Joshi; Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, B S Yediyurappa; and Minister of Housing & Infrastructure Development of Karnataka, V Somanna.

“With the launch of T2, we have expanded our capacity to cater to additional 25 million passengers every year,” said Hari Marar, MD and CEO, BIAL.

“What makes T2 more special is not just its scale and size, but also the fact that it’s inspired by Bengaluru city.

“Built as a terminal in a garden, T2 reflects all that Bengaluru stands for – a green, modern, innovative, sustainable, and culturally rich city.

“Over the last 14 years, BLR Airport has evolved as the Gateway to South India and with this next phase of expansion, it aims to position the airport as the new Gateway to India.”

Inside BLR Airport’s new Terminal 2

The new 255,661 square metre terminal is located on the northeastern side of Terminal 1 and has been designed by New York based architectural firm SOM.

As reported earlier this week, the commercial offering includes 3,600 sqm of retail space (spanning International Departures and Arrivals), operated and managed by Dufry and BIAL in a joint venture.

“The opening of Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 is a historic moment for us,” said Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

“The last two years were the most challenging with the pandemic impacting businesses all over the world, but our work on completing T2 was constantly in progress.

“Bengaluru is an evolving and emerging city that’s always been in the news for its achievements, and it was our aspiration to build a world-class terminal.

“The aviation sector is recovering from the slowdown due to the pandemic, and we have inaugurated T2 at the right time.

“While we were on this journey to build something that would be truly outstanding, we were also supported constantly by the government, particularly a government that welcomes business.

“And whenever business is welcomed, more business makes its way, and we are optimistic that with the opening of T2, we are collaborating with more enterprises and partners, and we are grateful to the government that has believed in our vision and supported us constantly.”

Passengers pass through over 10,000 sqm of green walls, hanging gardens and outdoor gardens made in India using indigenous technology to reflect Bengaluru city’s green aesthetic.

Sustainability principles are woven into the design and 100% renewable energy is utilised across the campus.

In fact, BLR Airport’s Terminal 2 is the largest terminal in the world to be pre-certified with a Platinum LEED rating by USGBC (US Green Building Council) prior to commencing operations.

There are 90 check-in counters and advanced technology is utilised to streamline the passenger journey, with the ‘your face is your boarding pass’ Digi Yatr tech helping travellers to pass swiftly through security.

A curated selected of 60 artworks adorn the building, serving to showcase the cultural diversity and unique art forms of Karnataka, as well as other South Indian art forms.