Thu May 15 03:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

After being closed to civilian flights in 2008, there is renewed discussion on reopening HAL Airport in Bengaluru. Public demand, coupled with the increasing congestion at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has prompted stakeholders to reconsider its use. A meeting was held in Delhi to discuss the modalities, with a key point of contention being whether the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) will manage the reopened airport. The existing concession agreement, which gives BIAL exclusive rights within a 150km radius, presents a challenge. AAI is reportedly ready with an upgrade plan for HAL Airport, which includes enhanced terminal capacity and parking facilities. While HAL is eager to generate revenue from civilian flights, its military operations may limit the extent of the reopening. The reopening could benefit commuters in East Bengaluru, offering an alternative to KIA for short-haul flights, but challenges remain regarding traffic management and BIAL’s willingness to amend the concession agreement.

**News Article:**

**Bengaluru’s HAL Airport May See Civilian Flights Return After 17 Years**

**Bengaluru, May 15, 2025** – After years of public demand and growing concerns over congestion at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), the possibility of reopening the HAL Airport for civilian flights is gaining momentum. Closed to commercial traffic in 2008, the centrally located airport could offer a much-needed alternative for travelers, particularly those in East Bengaluru.

A high-level meeting in Delhi last month brought together key stakeholders, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and representatives from the State and Central Governments. The primary focus of the discussion revolved around the operational control of the reopened HAL Airport, with both AAI and BIAL vying for management responsibilities.

“The question is about whether AAI or BIAL will do it,” explained Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya. “AAI is keen that they will themselves do the operations while BIAL says there is a no-compete clause, and therefore they will have to be given the opportunity to run the operations.”

A significant hurdle remains the existing concession agreement between BIAL, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the State Government, which grants BIAL exclusive airport rights within a 150km radius of KIA until 2033. Amending this agreement is crucial for HAL Airport to accommodate civilian flights.

AAI has reportedly prepared a master plan to upgrade HAL Airport with enhanced terminal capacity and parking facilities. However, a full-fledged reopening may be limited by HAL’s need to prioritize its military aircraft manufacturing and testing activities.

A limited number of civilian flights, particularly during off-peak hours, could provide much-needed relief to KIA, which has seen increasing congestion and flight diversions. The reopening of HAL Airport could also offer a convenient alternative for short-haul flights, benefiting commuters in East Bengaluru.

Further discussions are planned to address the remaining challenges and explore potential solutions. The Civil Aviation Minister has expressed support for the reopening, recognizing its potential to augment BIAL’s capacity and generate revenue for HAL.

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