Bengaluru Airport, officially named Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has reached a significant milestone as India’s third-busiest international airport. It surpassed Chennai’s Anna International Airport and Kochi’s Cochin International Airport in October 2024.

KIA Surpasses Chennai and Kochi in October Passenger Traffic

Bengaluru’s KIA registered 4.8 lakh international passengers in October, showing a remarkable 24.3% increase compared to October 2023’s 3.9 lakh, as per AAI. The growth helped Bengaluru secure third place in October, moving ahead of Chennai (4.5 lakh) and Kochi (4.1 lakh). Bengaluru’s improvement from its fifth-place ranking in September 2024, with 4.39 lakh passengers, highlights its growth, as Delhi and Mumbai retained their top spots at 17.5 lakh and 12.5 lakh passengers, respectively.

Strong Domestic and Overall Performance

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport held its ground in October with 30.8 lakh domestic passengers, trailing Delhi and Mumbai. KIA’s combined domestic and international passenger count of 35.7 lakh ensures its spot as India’s third-busiest airport.

KIA Expands Connections to 29 International Destinations

The growth of KIA is driven by its increasing number of connections. It now links to 29 international destinations through 34 airlines. Recent milestones include:

• December 16 will see IndiGo launching direct routes to Mauritius and daily operations to Langkawi, Malaysia.
• Akasa Air’s upcoming direct flights to Abu Dhabi. 

Modern infrastructure plays a pivotal role. Terminal 2, opened last year, enhances passenger experience, while the second runway (09R/27L), commissioned in October 2018 and completed in December 2019, ensures smoother operations. The parallel runway system gives KIA a competitive edge over Chennai and Kochi.

Bengaluru Plans Second Airport to Meet Rising Demand

As air travel in Bengaluru expands, initiatives are in motion to ensure the city can meet the growing needs. The HAL Airport master plan envisions reopening for civilian operations after its exclusivity agreement with KIA expires in May 2033. By 2047, HAL Airport will handle up to 40 lakh passengers annually, managing about 2,500 passengers during peak hours.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has proposed a second airport for Bengaluru to handle rising footfalls and future demand.

KIA’s Unmatched Connectivity

Bengaluru Airport has earned a reputation for providing seamless connections across international destinations. Its strategic position as a gateway for USA-India travel reflects its significance in the global aviation network. Passengers continue to choose Bengaluru Airport for its convenience and top-tier services.

Indian Eagle is proud to support this growth by providing unbeatable flight deals between the USA and India. Explore cheap international flights with Indian Eagle, offering exceptional connectivity and premium services. Customize your perfect Indian Eagle itinerary to enjoy a seamless travel experience at unbeatable prices.

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Bengaluru International Airport has been setting new benchmarks in the Indian aviation industry. The airport regularly keeps upgrading its facilities and implements new technologies to further enhance passenger experience. Now the Bangalore airport is revolutionizing its baggage handling system by introducing India’s first biometric enabled self bag drop facility. 

Kempegowda International Airport was the first airport in India to initiate a lot of passenger-centric services. Be it launching the BLR Metaport that lets travelers enjoy an immersive 3D virtual experience of Terminal 2 or introducing a fully automated self-bag drop system in 2018, Bangalore Airport has been making the most of the latest technology. 

India’s First Biometric Enabled Self Bag Drop Facility 

The country’s first biometric based self bag drop facility will expedite baggage handling system at Bangalore airport. Currently, this facility is only available at Terminal 2 for passengers traveling with Air India, Vistara and Air India Express. Many aviation enthusiasts are considering it as an extension for Digi Yatra.

By using facial biometric authentication, DigiYatra passengers at BLR can bypass the step of scanning their boarding passes. Travelers can then deposit their luggage quickly and conveniently. This service not only speeds up the baggage handling system but also empowers passengers with greater control over their travel experience.

Bengaluru’s biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility marks a significant advancement in airport technology. It promises to enhance efficiency and passenger satisfaction. As this system expands and evolves, it represents a forward-thinking approach to modern air travel. This balances innovation with security and privacy considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kempegowda International Airport the first to introduce a biometric self-bag drop system? 

No, Kempegowda International Airport isn’t the first airport to introduce a biometric self-bag drop system. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the US implemented a similar facility in 2022. This has apparently reduced the average processing time to around 70 seconds per passenger, cutting the bag check time by up to 30% at ATL.

How does India’s first biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility work? 

Passengers at the self-bag drop can choose the option to scan facial biometrics for baggage drop. They then select the “DigiYatra” icon and look straight into the camera to save a biometric image. The system generates flight details. It then prompts passengers to declare if they are carrying any dangerous goods.

After placing the bag on the conveyor, passengers can attach a baggage tag, which can be printed at a self-kiosk beforehand or generated by the machine. Later, the bag is weighed, measured, scanned, and put into the baggage handling system, while a baggage receipt is generated. In case of baggage that exceeds allowance, passengers move to a counter to make a payment. Notably, a UPI payment option will soon be available for on-the-spot payments.

Are biometrics compulsory for using the self-bag drop facility at Bangalore Airport? 

No, it is not compulsory. For those who prefer not to use biometrics, the option to scan a boarding pass and initiate the self-bag drop process remains available.

Is the biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility available for international passengers?

No, at present, biometric self bag drop facility is only available for domestic passengers. It will likely be extended for international passengers in the coming months. 

Is the biometric self bag drop at Bangalore airport available at Terminal 1? 

No, currently the biometric enabled self bag drop facility is only available at Terminal 2. It will soon be expanded to Terminal 1 at Bangalore Airport and other domestic airlines as well. 

What are your views on Kempegowda International Airport implementing the country’s first biometric enabled self bag drop facility? Do you think face-scan biometric technology is the future? Comment below and let us know about your thoughts on tech innovation in aviation. 

You can book an Indian Eagle flight to Bangalore and check out the innovative biometric enabled self bag drop facility at the airport. You can then hop on a domestic flight to Delhi, Mumbai or Hyderabad to use the biometric self drop facility.

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The world-class Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has got another feather in its hat. The Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 has been recognised amongst one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports.’ This prestigious recognition includes the coveted ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023,’ presented by UNESCO’s Prix Versailles. It is also the only Indian airport to be mentioned amongst the other state-of-the-art global hubs. 

Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 is Redefining Innovation and Culture

Covering an expansive 255,661 sq m, Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 2 is founded on four key pillars, shaping its architectural brilliance. These pillars include technological innovation, the concept of a terminal within a garden, unwavering commitment to sustainability, and a lively homage to the rich heritage and culture of Karnataka.

Phase 1 of Terminal 2 became operational on November 11 last year. Designed with meticulous precision, the terminal has the capacity to seamlessly cater to up to 25 million passengers annually. 

Also Read: Experience Kempegowda International Airport’s World-Class Terminal 2 in Metaverse

Beyond its functional capacity, Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 has also set a benchmark in technological advancements while embracing the serenity of its natural surroundings. The architectural marvel effortlessly blends modern infrastructure with lush greenery. 

About Prix Versailles

Prix Versailles, established in 2015, spotlights architectural brilliance. This UNESCO award recognizes intelligent sustainability, celebrating innovation and cultural resonance. It honors structures that reflect local heritage, ecological efficiency, and social interaction.

Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 not only raises the bar for airport design but also proudly carries the torch for India on the global stage. Redefining architectural excellence, it offers passengers traveling on flights to Bangalore world-class services along with airport aesthetics. 

If you want to witness one of the most beautiful airports in the world, you can make use of Indian Eagle deals and book your Bangalore itinerary. So, why wait? Hop on the next flight and experience the world-class facilities of the Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 yourself.

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Airports around the world upgrade their services by adding new terminals and enhancing facilities. But to improve the passenger experience, it is equally important that the airports have a good on-time performance. Airports in India have consistently been improving in all sectors and setting a benchmark in the aviation industry. Kempegowda International Airport was recently adjudged as the world’s most punctual airport by Cirium. The world-class hub has maintained its on-time performance for three consecutive months now and is ahead of major global airports. 

While Bangalore Airport had an impressive on-time performance of 87.51% in July, it improved to 89.66% in August and was 88.51% last month. Kempegowda International Airport is ahead of the Salt Lake City International Airport in US that had an on-time performance of 87.04%. 

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Grabs the 3rd Spot with its On-Time Performance

Another major Indian airport to feature in the list is the state-of-the-art Rajiv Gandhi International Airport that ranked third in the world’s most punctual airport list. It had an on-time performance of 86.48%. The report had tracked around 13,973 flights to and from Hyderabad, while around 18,913 flights to Bangalore and from the ‘garden city’ were taken into account.

US Airports’ On-Time Performance

Four airports in USA featured in the list of top 10 world’s most punctual airports. While Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) ranked 4th with an on-time performance of 85.89%, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) grabbed the 7th spot with 85.10%. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is right behind on the 8th spot with an on-time performance of 83.97%. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was another major US airport that was ranked 10th with 83.15% flights on time. 

As passengers it is important that you are not just aware of the world’s safest airlines but also the best global hubs so you can plan your travel seamlessly. If you are traveling on the USA-India route, you can travel from Atlanta to Bangalore or anywhere else and expect a hassle-free journey. And to have a seamless and affordable trip, booking Indian Eagle tickets is a smart choice. 

Did the airport in your city make it to the list of world’s most punctual airports? If yes, comment below and let us know.

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The Silicon Valley of India attracts millions of tourists every year and so Kempegowda International Airport is known as one of the busiest airports in the country. The Bengaluru airport T2 made headlines when it became one of the world’s first metaverse-friendly airports. Through BLR Metaport, passengers could get an immersive virtual experience of this world-class terminal. 

And now Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport will exclusively handle international flights. Starting August 31, 2023, Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) will become an international terminal, while Terminal 1 (T1) will cater to domestic flights. The first international flight, Singapore Airlines SQ 508, will touch down at T2, marking this significant change.

Currently, domestic carriers like AirAsia India, Star Air, and Vistara operate their domestic flights from Terminal 2. However, following the transition, all domestic flights will be relocated to Terminal 1. This strategic move aims to optimize operations and provide a more streamlined experience for passengers.

Seamless Travel Experience at Bengaluru Airport T2

To ensure a seamless travel experience for international flyers, Terminal 2 has been equipped with essential facilities. These include customs offices, immigration counters, retail outlets, duty-free shops, along with food and beverage options. Additionally, passengers can utilize a complimentary shuttle service to move conveniently between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. 

To further ease the passenger experience, the airport recently introduced BLR Pulse. This app is a game-changer for navigating the bustling airport and ensuring timely boarding. Available for both Android and iPhone users, it offers a multitude of features to streamline the travel experience.

With BLR Pulse, you can stay updated with real-time flight information, secure restaurant reservations, connect to airport Wi-Fi, and access essential details about check-in gates. It even allows users to track delayed flights, ensuring they stay informed every step of the way. The app goes above and beyond by providing exclusive information on discounts available at various food and beverage outlets within the terminals.

Also Read: 5 Best Restaurants Near Bangalore Airport

This innovative app follows a series of remarkable initiatives by Bengaluru airport to enhance the passenger journey. As mentioned above, the airport unveiled the Metaverse experience at its new Terminal 2 in 2022. In June of the same year, the airport embraced the power of artificial intelligence by deploying ten AI-driven robots at Kempegowda International Airport. These remarkable robots are capable of assisting passengers and even providing escort services upon request, further elevating the travel experience.

With these modern facilities, Bengaluru Airport T2 is set to make a significant shift towards exclusively handling international flights. Whether you’re jetting off to international adventures or exploring domestic treasures, this terminal transition marks a milestone in Kempegowda International Airport’s evolution. So, why wait? Make use of the Indian Eagle deals and book your travel to Bangalore today!

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It was imminent that metaverse will revolutionize the tourism industry by enhancing people’s travel experiences. And now with the latest developments in aviation such as Emirates offering training to its cabin crew in the metaverse or Boeing planning to build its airplane in the metaverse, this transformation will likely happen soon. And the Indian Aviation industry is not far behind in working on improving its traveler’s experience. 

BLR Metaport will soon let you enjoy a 3-dimensional, immersive virtual experience of the brand new Terminal 2 at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Polygon have collaborated to make it one of the world’s first metaverse-friendly airports. 

Utilizing the ‘Polygon Blockchain’, the BLR Metaport is specially crafted to provide improvised digital experiences to travelers. Customers would be offered new ways in order to explore the airport; be it for shopping, checking into flights, navigating through the terminals or even connecting with fellow travelers. It is built on the fundamentals of decentralization, which gives the control and decision making power to a distributed network instead of a centralized entity. 

How to Experience Bangalore Airport’s Terminal 2 in Metaverse?

If you are going to travel via the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore soon, you can visit www.Blrmetaport.com. Through this, you will be able to virtually check out the world-class T2 with any of your smart devices. 

Metaverse and the Aviation Industry

As metaverse is entering the aviation industry, it can offer passengers hassle-free airport access, make it easier to earn or redeem air miles and enhance the flying experience. And we never know, airlines might soon provide travelers an opportunity to experience the lounges in metaverse! 

One of the top airlines, Emirates, has already started working on accepting this new technology. By allowing the airline to cut the ‘middleman’, Metaverse tourism will likely revolutionize its processes, operations, training and sales thereby improving the customer experience. 

As numerous airlines and the aviation industry in general are investing in metaverse, this technology will likely transform the travel sector for good.  

Experience Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 in metaverse and then book cheap flights to Bangalore via Indian Eagle.

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As the world is going digital, most of the things even in the travel industry are being done electronically. And as a growing IT hub, India too is introducing an array of latest technologies to benefit its citizens and tourists. A beta version of one such new service, the DigiYatra program was successfully introduced at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on 15th August this year. 

And now the Ministry of Civil Aviation has rolled out DigiYatra at 3 airports in India. It is aimed to make the boarding process digital and seamless. Further improvising the security, the departure control system of the particular airline the passengers are flying with will verify their data. 

Faces to be the New Boarding Passes

Through DigiYatra’s facial recognition technology, passengers will be able to pass through various checkpoints at the airport without physical IDs or boarding passes. This could sound surprising to many but now your face can act as your boarding pass! 

Which Airports in India have Implemented the DigiYatra Program?

The Civil Aviation Ministry of India has introduced the DigiYatra Program at one of the three major airports in India on 1st December. These airports are mentioned below: 

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. 
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi.
3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore. 

DigiYatra is also believed to be implemented in a phased manner across various other airports in India by next year. 

How to Get Paperless Entry at the DigiYatra-Enabled Airports in India?

If you are flying through Delhi, Bangalore or Varanasi, you can avail a paperless and hassle-free entry by following these steps: 

Step 1: Download the DigiYatra app from the app store. 

Step 2: Register your details on the DigiYatra app.

Step 3: Provide the required Aadhar-based details. 

Step 4: Click your selfie for the DigiYatra app.

Step 5: Scan your boarding pass to update in the app.

Step 6: Your credentials will be shared with the airport (Delhi, Bangalore or Varanasi).  

Step 7: Go ahead and scan the bar coded boarding pass at the e-gate of the airport.

Step 8: Your identity and travel documents will be validated by the ‘facial recognition system’ at the e-gate. 

Step 9: You will now be allowed to enter the airport via the e-gate.

Step 10: Now you can board the aircraft after going through the regular security clearance procedures. 

With new travel apps such as DigiYatra, technology has been revolutionizing the tourism sector. With these innovations, you never know, you might soon be able to also see the advent of Metaverse tourism in India. 

You can book cheap flight tickets from USA to India via Indian Eagle and travel to these cities at affordable prices. So, why wait? Plan your itinerary today and get ready to go through a seamless boarding process via DigiYatra.

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