Air India and BIAL enter agreement to develop Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub with “elevated CX and efficient operations”

Air India and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have entered into an agreement intended to develop Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub for southern India. The plan includes enhanced international connectivity, a dedicated lounge in the T2 domestic area for premium customers of Tata Group airlines, and an MRO facility.

Air India – along with other Tata Group airlines AIX and Vistara – and BIAL will collaborate to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years. This includes strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) through an enhanced network and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara.

“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,” said Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO, Air India. “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 centre. This partnership agreement is a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Air India.”

As part of the initiative, Air India has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR Airport. This underscores Air India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Bengaluru and over time, expand its global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from southern India.

“As the busiest airport in south India, BLR Airport is dedicated to strengthening its position as the primary international gateway in southern and central India,” said Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited. “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.”