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The D-Day is finally here for Bengaluru International Airport (BIA). On December 14, the airport will relaunch with an expanded terminal T1A, and sport a new name, Kempegowda International Airport. Spanning over 1,50,500 sq.mt, the new terminal area will be more than double its current size.

Once Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Civil Aviation Minister Ajith Singh formally kick off the Terminal T1A and name change initiation, the airport will turn a new chapter designed to accommodate the increasing traffic.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) officials termed that the infrastructure addition reflects the growing importance of the City and the State on the global radar.
G V Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, BIAL, said, “The new name honours Kempegowda, founding father of Bangalore and the renaming is being timed with the opening of the T1A where the facilities, radiant interiors and exteriors mirrors the rich culture of Karnataka and the vibrant colours of the Garden City.”

He said with T1A, BIAL wanted passengers “to experience everything that is unique about Bangalore of yesteryears when he/she enters the airport and at the same time enjoy the benefits of world-class facilities.”

Soon after the announcement of the T1A expansion, BIAL had launched the ‘Smile Bengaluru’ campaign to invite citizens of Bangalore to share their views of what they would like to see at the Terminal.  This initiative offered Bangaloreans an opportunity to not only come out with suggestions for improvement, but also witness their ideas fructifying in their new terminal.

The enhanced terminal houses additional immigration and emigration counters, a new design and aesthetics besides a vast area within to cater to the rising air traffic. Over the past 18 months, several new routes including direct flights between Bangalore and Bangkok by SpiceJet and operation by Air Costa, were started from BIA.

Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) check-in platforms for airlines and a Code F (aircraft with wing spans such a Boeing 747-800) contact stand are some features aimed at creating a new experience at BIA.

To offer travelers fresh perspectives on local culture and the region, the new terminal will also showcase art installations such as a Flight Mural by artist Yusuf Arakkal. The South Indian flavour will prevail across retail and F&B concepts, including a variety of unique cultural artefacts such as silk products, handicrafts, Ayurveda, coffee and spices, sandalwood, and cuisine from the four States.