Bengaluru airport’s Terminal 1 to get a facelift, work to commence by August

T1 refurbishment work will commence by August 2024.

Terminal 1 (T1) of Kempegowda International Airport will get a makeover, as Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) plans to commence the refurbishment work within two months.

“T1 refurbishment work will commence by August 2024. Preparatory activities are now underway to ensure a smooth start to the major works,” a BIAL spokesperson told Moneycontrol.

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The airport’s T1, which began operations on May 24, 2008, will become a fully integrated terminal catering solely to domestic flights. Terminal 2, dedicated exclusively to international flights along with some domestic flights, commenced operations last year (domestic operations on January 15, 2023 & international operations on September 12, 2023).

The T1 refurbishment will begin with works, including relocation of IT rooms, demolition of the west bus boarding gates (currently not operational), and relocation of office spaces. “These preliminary steps will pave the way for the major works scheduled to commence by early 2025,” the spokesperson said.

BIAL will upgrade facilities like baggage handling systems, check-in, security, departure lounges/hold rooms and transfer security. “In addition to these zones, there will be extensive upgrades to passenger amenities, infrastructure, and operational facilities to enhance the overall passenger experience. With international operations moving to T2, T1 will exclusively serve domestic flights to meet the specific needs of domestic passengers, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience,” the BIAL spokesperson said.

Airport officials said that refurbishment work will be conducted in stages to minimise disruption to operations and maintain passenger convenience.

“While the majority of the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, continuous assessments and phased implementations will ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency throughout the process,” said the spokesperson.

Enhanced facilities

BIAL officials said they are planning new features and facilities for T1 to enhance the passenger experience. The first phase of key upgrades will include a dedicated entry for passengers without check-in baggage; a silent zone for quiet and relaxation; PRM (persons with reduced mobility) zone for enhanced accessibility; children’s play area to entertain young passengers; relocation and enhancement of VIP or CIP (commercially important person) lounges; upgraded toilets and other essential services; and improved escalators, elevators, and travelators.

“Additionally, retail and F&B zones will undergo a significant facelift to offer a wider range of options and better service to passengers,” the spokesperson added.

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Terminal capacity

Currently, combined capacity of T1 and T2 is 52 million passengers per annum (MPPA). “Following the completion of the T1 refurbishment, the total capacity will increase to 60 MPPA. Phase 2 of T2, which will add a capacity of 20 million, includes the development of 40 percent of the area on the airport’s south side, which will cater to a capacity of 45 million passengers,” said the BIAL official.

T2, which recently commenced international operations, presently has a peak domestic capacity of 1,400 passengers per hour and an international capacity of 1,300 passengers per hour. "It is currently operating at 45-50 percent of its overall capacity. This expansion is part of our commitment to accommodate the growing number of passengers and improve service delivery,” the spokesperson added.

On the status of the upcoming T3 (third terminal), the spokesperson said, “Bengaluru airport is expected to welcome its T3 in the late 2020s or early 2030s, boosting its capacity to an impressive 90-100 million passengers annually.”

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