Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) has kicked off an expansion programme and is also awaiting approval of mobile check in procedures, all of which are intended to double passenger capacity and streamline the customer experience.
The plan also involves developing a second runway and a second terminal. The existing Terminal 1 will double in size to meet rising passenger traffic and is targeting to finish in 18 months. According to Francis Rajan, BIAL's vice-president of information technology, the second runway would be built in "three to four years from now", followed by the first phase of Terminal 2.
The authorities are also awaiting security clearance to implement mobile check-in facilities. “The airport is geared for this; the infrastructure has been ready for some time, but the process requires a security mandate approval,” said Rajan.
They also intend to add “more lounges and spas” to make passengers' time at the airport “efficient, relaxed and enjoyable,” he added.
Bangalore airport has been known as one of India's more progressive air hubs, offering self check-in kiosks and bag tag drop off counters to streamline departure procedures – as well as 45 minutes of free wifi internet access.
BIAL's management expects a growth of 18 percent year on year, largely in part to the city's playing host to a number of multinational corporations. In 2010, the airport handled 11.7 million passengers.
For more information, visit www.bengaluruairport.com
Alisha Haridasan
