Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is one of the country’s busiest and most modern airports. Recently, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru was awarded the title ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airport’ by UNESCO’s Prix Versailles 2023. Moreover, Kempegowda International Airport, Terminal 2 won the ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023.’ in the airport category. Even Prime Minister Narender Modi congratulated the Bengaluru people for this title. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru recently launched Terminal 2, which takes a cue from the Garden City’s many parks and green spaces. It is planned as a “terminal within a garden,” with a continuous inside and outside garden connecting travellers with nature.
It is constructed with the architects Grant Associates, and designers Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla under the global architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (from now on referred to as SOM), is an architectural firm that has been involved in a variety of interdisciplinary projects across industries and disciplines for over 80 years. They believed in “visit the airport but wait in the garden”.
This terminal 2 is inspired by Bengaluru’s garden city heritage. This project will transport passengers through a landscape-friendly, multi-modal transit hub and terminal that will fundamentally reimagine the travel experience. This new facility at Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport will fundamentally reimagine the airport experience. Creating a gateway that highlights Bengaluru’s rich cultural and natural landscape, the construction of the 255,000 m² terminal marks a transformative moment for Bengaluru, one of India’s largest and fastest-growing cities.
At the entry of Terminal 2, visitors can walk through engineered bamboo structures adorned with hanging plants and vibrant green spaces. There is space connected by bridges and pathways. There is a huge installation of water features, a step garden and a large rock formation. It has a 90-metre-wide landscaped stretch i.e. a forest belt. It is a beautiful garden with indoor plants and outdoor gardens
The design establishes a new vision for sustainable growth and conveys Bengaluru’s unique sense of place. The new terminal is a series of distinctive spaces that are integrated with various landscapes, creating a calm oasis in the hustle and bustle of the international airport.
By doubling the airport’s annual passenger numbers from 25 million to 50 million, the second terminal will position Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport as one of the premier airports not only in India but also in the world.
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History of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is inaugurated in he May 2008. This airport has replaced the HAL Airport as the primary international gateway to Bengaluru. This airport is named after Kempegowda I, a feudal ruler who founded the city of Bengaluru in the 16th century. Bengaluru is the hub of technology and cyber, so Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has experienced rapid traffic growth. Due to rapid growth, it needs new facilities in the airport. Hence, the construction of Terminal 2 (T2) at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has started. It is part of the Phase 1A expansion project where they aim to increase the passenger capacity and improve operational efficiency. This involved the construction of a new terminal building, apron, taxiways, and associated infrastructure. The project is handover to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (hereinafter referred to as SOM), an architectural firm, that brings the vision of a “terminal in a garden” and builds a beautiful terminal garden at Terminal 2. It is a new gateway for the citizens to explore and visit.
Facilities of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru – Terminal 2
The new Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru-Terminal 2 is a beautiful terminal garden. It provides various facilities with a beautiful entry. Here are the facilities available at T2:
- Check-In Counters: Terminal 2 has multiple check-in counters. They have self-service kiosks and manned desks where passengers can check into the flight with boarding passes by dropping off luggage.
- Security Screening: T2 is also equipped with Security Screening with trained personnel. They ensure the safety and security of passengers and their belongings.
- Immigration and Customs: Like other terminals, T2 also has Immigration and Customs counters to check the passport by passport control or customs clearance. The counter is available for both, arrival as well as departure from the airport. They are managed by professional immigration officers and customer officers.
- Baggage Claim: They have a Baggage Claim area with a beautiful garden view. Passengers can collect their baggage from the designated baggage claim areas located within the terminal. At baggage areas, baggage carousels and conveyor belts are available.
- Retail Outlets: T2 has several Retail Outlets. There are even duty-free shops as well as luxury boutiques, convenience stores, and souvenir shops. Passengers can buy duty-free products and a wide range of products, including fashion apparel, electronics, cosmetics, confectionery, and local handicrafts.
- Dining Options: There are many Dining Options available at the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 2 which provide different tastes and preference food, where passengers can choose accordingly. There are casual cafes and fast-food outlets.
- Lounges: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 2 is built to wait in the garden. It has beautiful lounges from free to premium lounges. Passengers can opt for any as per their needs and budget. premium passenger lounges offering a range of amenities and services for travellers like comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi access, business facilities and many more.
- Transport Connectivity: Terminal 2 is well connected to the city of Bengaluru and the surrounding region through various transportation modes. Passengers can easily hire taxis, buses, airport shuttles, and ridesharing services. There is good parking for private vehicles, rental car services, and designated pick-up and drop-off zones.
- Information Desks: There are many Information desks and customer service counters with personnel to help the passengers with inquiries, directions, and general assistance. Trained staff members are available to provide information and support to travellers as needed.
- Multiple Airlines: Terminal 2 is an international airport. Many airlines used this terminal like AirAsia, Air India, Star Air, Vistara, etc.