Bengaluru airport's Terminal 2 becomes India’s first to receive 5-star rating. What is it?

The 5-Star rating was conferred following a rigorous audit by Skytrax, which evaluated more than 800 passenger touchpoints.

Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has become the first airport terminal in India to be awarded the prestigious 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating by Skytrax, a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in airport service and infrastructure.

The accolade was announced by Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) in a press release issued on April 9. According to the statement, the 5-Star Rating was conferred following a rigorous audit by Skytrax, which evaluated more than 800 passenger touchpoints across over 30 categories.

These included terminal design, cleanliness, security procedures, digital integration, hospitality, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. The comprehensive assessment ensured that the terminal met the highest global standards for passenger experience and operational excellence.

Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of BIAL, said: “These milestones place Bengaluru on the global aviation stage, and we are deeply grateful to our passengers, partners, and employees for their trust and support.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, added: “With this achievement, BLR Airport becomes the first airport in India to achieve this highest 5-Star Rating, the highest quality recognition for an airport.”

In addition to the 5-Star rating for Terminal 2, Kempegowda International Airport was also recognised as the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia.

Skytrax, based in the United Kingdom, has been awarding the World Airport Star Ratings for the past 20 years. The organisation is considered a leading authority in evaluating airport quality worldwide. Its rating system ranges from 1-Star to 5-Star and is based on a consistent and standardised methodology applied across all airport types, from major international hubs to smaller regional facilities.

Skytrax assessments are grounded in the actual front-line customer experience during the entire journey through an airport. Final ratings are issued only after either a full Airport Audit has been conducted or the Skytrax audit team has gathered sufficient evidence to make a comprehensive evaluation.

The rating spans approximately 800 customer-facing aspects of airport service and product, covering over 30 customer interaction points, including the airport website, terminal hotel quality, security, check-in processes, food and beverage services, wayfinding, and retail offerings.

Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2, which opened to passengers in 2023, was designed with inspiration drawn from nature and features expansive open spaces, indoor greenery, art installations, and sustainable infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Skytrax also released its list of the world’s top 100 airports for 2025. Singapore Changi Airport topped the global rankings, followed by Hamad International Airport in Doha and Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). Also featured in the top 20 were Incheon International Airport, Narita International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Rome Fiumicino Airport, Munich Airport, and Zurich Airport.

Four Indian airports featured in the top 100 list. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi was ranked 32nd, recognised for its modern amenities, public art, efficient immigration processing, and strong international connectivity. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru was ranked 48th and received praise for its newly opened Terminal 2.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad placed 56th, noted for its customer service, cleanliness, and overall passenger experience. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai was ranked 73rd, with particular commendation for its distinctive architecture and art displays.