Discussions underway to resume passenger flights at Bengaluru's HAL airport before May 2033: Report

Bengaluru's HAL Airport may resume passenger flights before May 2033, as discussions among AAI, Ministry of Civil Aviation and BIAL are underway.

Published on: Sep 12, 2025, 18:34:56 IST

By HT News Desk, Bengaluru

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

After years of dormancy in the commercial aviation sector, Bengaluru’s HAL Airport could see passenger flights return well before May 2033, when the existing exclusivity agreement with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) operator BIAL expires.

The Karnataka government is urging Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) for a No Objection Certificate to facilitate the revival of the HAL airport. (Piyush Goyal/Twitter)

ALSO READ | Bengaluru adds nearly 59,000 new vehicles in August, experts warn of ‘gridlock future’

Discussions between the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and BIAL are already underway, exploring the revival of the centrally located airport, reported the Deccan Herald. The state government has gone a step further, urging BIAL to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and even offering to cover potential financial losses.

HAL Airport, Bengaluru’s primary airport from 1941 to 2008, currently handles non-commercial flights. AAI's 10-year master plan envisions demolishing the current terminal by 2030 and replacing it with a modern facility, featuring a seven-storey parking lot, a commercial complex and road expansion around the terminal, the report stated.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru tenant alleges landlord scam as two-member household hit with ₹15,800 water bill

The ownership and operational rights of the revamped airport are likely to be auctioned, with bidders expected to compete for control. Whether BIAL will participate remains uncertain.

Political support has also intensified. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is “extremely enthusiastic” and has already held multiple meetings on the matter. If BIAL and AAI arrive at a commercial agreement, the ball will start rolling, Surya said, as per the report.

Bangalore Central MP P C Mohan echoed the optimism, noting the civil aviation ministry’s support but citing unresolved concerns around connectivity between HAL and KIA. Until the state’s second airport proposal takes shape, reopening HAL could ease Bengaluru’s growing air traffic demand and bring flyers closer to the city once again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated Bengaluru Weather Live and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.