Bengaluru Airport Gets 42% Flight Capacity Boost, But Travellers Face 18 Months Of Road Disruptions

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has received DGCA approval for a mixed-mode runway arrangement, expected to raise its aircraft-handling capacity by about 42%.

Under the new arrangement, both runways can operate with greater flexibility for arrivals and departures, subject to safety and ATC clearances, moving away from the previous segregated mode.

The approved capacity rise aims to lift movements per hour from around 60 to about 85, enabling roughly 25 additional aircraft movements each hour and reducing waiting, departure queues, and taxiing times.

While air operations may benefit, road traffic approaching the airport will face disruption for 18 months beginning November 6, as the Bengaluru Development Authority builds a four-lane elevated corridor along Ballari Road between UAS Staff Quarters and Mekhri Circle.

During construction, KSRTC and private buses, along with all goods vehicles, are prohibited on the affected stretch, and travelers from Hebbal and Yeshwanthpur are advised to use specified alternative routes to reach the airport.

Commuters are asked to cooperate with the diversions and follow the guidance provided for the duration of the works.