Plans for Bengaluru's second airport stall as AAI flags issues with all 3 proposed sites: Report

The Airports Authority of India has raised concerns about the three shortlisted sites for Bengaluru's second international airport, citing several challenges.

Published on: Nov 6, 2025, 15:57:04 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has expressed significant reservations about all three sites shortlisted by the Karnataka government for Bengaluru’s proposed second international airport, casting uncertainty over the ambitious project’s progress.

Karnataka officials said they plan further feasibility studies for Bengaluru second potential airport as the AAI report brought more uncertainty over the project's progress. (AI generated-Google Gemini)

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An expert AAI team conducted inspections in April 2025 across three potential locations, namely, Chudahalli and Somanahalli near Harohalli on Kanakapura Road, and another near Nelamangala along Kunigal Road. However, their evaluation report highlighted numerous technical, logistical, and operational challenges at each of these sites, rather than identifying a clear front-runner, said a report by The Times of India.

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Officials and industry stakeholders, who had hoped the report would narrow down options, are now left grappling with more questions than answers. Sources indicated that issues such as terrain suitability, airspace management, connectivity, and environmental impact were among the major concerns flagged in the AAI report, as per the publication.

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Despite the uncertainty, Karnataka’s Minister for Heavy and Medium Industries and Infrastructure, M B Patil, downplayed the apprehensions, clarifying that the AAI’s assessment is part of a routine procedure to weigh pros and cons before any site is finalized. He added that the state government will soon initiate a detailed techno-economic and financial feasibility study to further evaluate the viability of each location, the report said.

For now, Bengaluru’s long-awaited second airport, seen as crucial to easing congestion at Kempegowda International Airport, remains grounded in the planning stage, pending the outcome of the next round of studies and clearances.

HT.com has not independently verified the authenticity of this information.

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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

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