Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set for a major upgrade in its flight operations, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approving a new runway arrangement that could increase its aircraft-handling capacity by around 42%. The development is expected to make flight movements more efficient and help the airport accommodate growing air traffic. However, while the airport prepares for smoother operations in the air, passengers travelling to and from it may have to deal with a rather different situation on the roads.
Bengaluru Airport To Handle More Flights After DGCA Nod
The DGCA granted approval for mixed-mode runway operations on November 3, following an examination of the proposal submitted by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). With this, Bengaluru will become the second airport in India after Delhi to adopt the arrangement, according to a Moneycontrol report.
Until now, Bengaluru airport has largely operated its two parallel runways in a segregated manner, with one primarily handling arrivals and the other departures.
Under the new mixed-mode arrangement, both runways will have greater flexibility to handle arriving and departing aircraft, subject to safety requirements and air traffic control clearances. This will allow air traffic controllers to manage flight movements more efficiently, particularly during busy hours.
The airport’s approved aircraft-handling capacity is expected to increase from approximately 60 movements per hour to 85. This means it could accommodate around 25 additional aircraft movements every hour.
The change is also expected to reduce aircraft waiting times, departure queues and taxiing time.
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Bengaluru Airport Road To Face 18 Months Of Traffic Disruptions
While the runway upgrade is expected to improve flight operations, reaching the airport could become more challenging for commuters over the coming months.
According to a separate Hindustan Times report, traffic movement on the Kempegowda International Airport-bound road is set to be affected for 18 months from November 6, as the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) begins work on a four-lane elevated corridor along Ballari Road.
The construction stretch lies between UAS Staff Quarters and Mekhri Circle. As part of the traffic restrictions, the movement of KSRTC and private buses, along with all goods vehicles, has been prohibited on the affected stretch.
Vehicles travelling from Hebbal towards the airport and Bengaluru city, including emergency vehicles, have also been advised to use alternative routes.
Those heading towards the airport from Hebbal can take the route via Old High Grounds Junction, Kalpana Junction, Old Udaya TV Junction, Cantonment Railway Station, Tannery Road and Nagawara Road. Travellers coming from Yeshwanthpur can use Mattikere Road, BEL Circle and Ring Road to reach the airport.
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The traffic restrictions are expected to remain in place throughout the construction period, with commuters being asked to cooperate and follow the suggested diversions.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is the new DGCA approval granted to Bengaluru airport?
The DGCA has approved mixed-mode runway operations at Kempegowda International Airport, allowing greater flexibility in handling arriving and departing flights.
What are mixed-mode runway operations?
Mixed-mode runway operations allow the same runway to be used for both arriving and departing aircraft, instead of having separate runways primarily dedicated to each operation.
Why will Bengaluru airport-bound roads face traffic disruptions?
Traffic disruptions are expected due to the construction of a four-lane elevated corridor along Ballari Road.
