Air India partners with BIAL to develop Bengaluru as premier aviation hub for South India

Tata Group-owned airline giant Air India has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to transform Bengaluru into a leading aviation hub for southern India.

With this, Air India, AI Express, and Vistara will collaborate to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience within the next 5 years.

Enhancing Bengaluru's airport dynamics

The partnership seeks to strengthen the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport), through an enhanced network and the establishment of a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara.

The strategic move is designed to elevate Bengaluru's status as a primary international gateway and a vibrant hub for travellers.

Signing MoU with the Karnataka government 

Air India has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport.

The company said it is committed to strengthening its presence in Bengaluru and, over time, expanding its global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from Southern India. 

The partnership will stimulate the MRO ecosystem and is projected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for highly skilled individuals in the state, the release notes. 

Strengthening relationship with BIAL

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, said, “Airline-airport synergy is key to elevated customer experience and efficient operations, while Bengaluru is highly attractive as an origin and destination market as well as a connecting hub. We are therefore delighted to be strengthening our relationship with BIAL with a view to developing a greater presence at the airport, expanding air connectivity as well as building a major MRO center."

Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of BIAL highlighted BLR Airport's role in enhancing the passenger experience and its commitment to becoming southern and central India's main international gateway.

"This collaboration aligns perfectly with the Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision of developing Indian airports as hubs, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. Given that over half of the international outbound travellers from Bengaluru and our catchment head to Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, our alliance with Air India represents a substantial leap towards this goal. We aim to capture a significant share of long-haul routes from BLR Airport over the next five years," Marar added.