Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, is the main and busiest Airport in the city. It began operations on May 24 2008, and is located in Devanahalli, Karnataka. Built by BIAL, the Airport plays a key role as the city’s central air travel hub for both domestic and international flights. It sits roughly 50 km north of Prestige Evergreen on Sarjapur Road and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach by car. The Airport is commonly known by its code BLR, which is printed on all tickets and baggage tags linked to Bangalore.

Where is Kempegowda International Airport located?

Kempegowda International Airport is strategically located in Devanahalli, North Bangalore, about 40 kilometres from the city centre, along National Highway 44 (NH 44), providing smooth road access and room for future expansion.

Distance from Major Bangalore Areas to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

• MG Road – About 35 km away; takes around 45 to 60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
• Whitefield – Around 45 km; expect a travel time of 55 to 70 minutes via Outer Ring Road and NH 44.
• Whitefield – Around 45 km; expect a travel time of 55 to 70 minutes via Outer Ring Road and NH 44.
• Sarjapur Road (near Wipro SEZ) – Close to 50 km distance; drive time is around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Prestige Evergreen (Varthur Road) – Around 51 km; the route via SH-104 takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes.
• Hebbal – Just 29 km away and well connected. Travel time is around 30 to 45 minutes in normal traffic.
• KR Puram – Situated about 38 km from the Airport, it takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes by road.
• Marathahalli – At a distance of 43 km, it takes nearly 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach by car.
• JP Nagar – Around 48 km away. Plan for a drive of about 1 hour and 20 minutes via ORR and Bellary Road.
• Banashankari – About 49 km from the Airport; expect a journey of 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day.

Why Kempegowda International Airport Is Named After Kempe Gowda

Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore honours Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, who was born in 1510 and is often called the founder of Bengaluru. As a local chieftain serving the Vijayanagara Empire, he drew India’s first map of the city in 1537. He laid out the original “Pete” markets and built a series of lakes—such as Dharmambudhi and Sampige—to give the town clean water and room to grow. He also raised protective walls and watchtowers that helped Bengaluru expand into the busy metropolis it is today. Naming the Airport after him celebrates his clear vision for a well-planned city, strong community and thriving trade—values that still guide Bangalore’s growth.

Kempegowda International Airport flights and Airport Bangalore arrivals and departures:

Kempegowda International Airport operates more than 380 flights per day, including 109 non-stop destinations, across 25 countries. Totally international destinations are served by 39 popular Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India Express, and Emirates.

1. Dubai, UAE (DXB)

• Flight Time: Around 4 hours
• Airlines: Emirates, IndiGo
• Schedule: Flights available all day and night

2. Singapore (SIN)

• Flight Time: About 4 hours 40 minutes
• Airlines: Singapore Airlines, IndiGo
• Schedule: Morning, afternoon, and late-night flights

3. Abu Dhabi, UAE (AUH)

• Flight Time: Just under 4 hours
• Airlines: Air India Express, Akasa Air, Etihad Airways
• Schedule: Daily departures

4. London Heathrow, UK (LHR)

• Flight Time: 10 to 11 hours
• Airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic
• Schedule: Mostly morning and afternoon flights

5. Doha, Qatar (DOH)

• Flight Time: Around 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Airlines: Qatar Airways, IndiGo
• Schedule: Multiple flights every day

6. Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)

• Flight Time: Around 4 hours
• Airlines: Thai Airways, IndiGo
• Schedule: Daily flights available

7. Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)

• Flight Time: About 9 hours 35 minutes
• Airlines: Lufthansa
• Schedule: Early morning departures

8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)

• Flight Time: Around 4 hours 20 minutes
• Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia
• Schedule: Morning and late-night options

9. Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB)

• Flight Time: Just 1 hour 30 minutes
• Airlines: SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo
• Schedule: Multiple short flights daily

10. Muscat, Oman (MCT)

• Flight Time: About 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Airlines: Oman Air, SalamAir
• Schedule: Daily non-stop flights

Annual traffic of travelers from the past 10 years to the Bangalore International Airport:

Some of the fresh and latest announcements related to Kempegowda International

• New Convention Centre Announced (Jul 31, 2025)

A big event hall is coming near the Bangalore Airport. It will have seats for 8,000 people. The project is a partnership between Bengaluru Airport City Ltd and Prestige Group. This new centre will be close to a luxury hotel called St. Regis. Both are part of a bigger plan to develop the area around the Airport.

• Bangalore May Get a Second Airport (Jul 25, 2025)

The Karnataka government wants to build another airport for the city. A report has already been sent to the Central Government. Three possible locations have been picked. The final decision is expected soon. If approved, this second Airport will help manage the growing number of flights in Bengaluru.

• Metro Line to Airport Moving Faster (Jul 31, 2025)

The Managing Director of Bangalore Metro recently visited the construction site of the new Blue Line to the Airport. This metro line was delayed earlier, but now the work is going faster. The new goal is to finish it by early 2027. Once ready, people will be able to travel to the Airport by metro more easily.

Terminal 1: Your Domestic Flight Powerhouse and directions:

• Domestic flights only: 150,556 m², 12 gates, 40+ check-in counters
• Passenger capacity: 20 million / year (upgraded Aug 2024 to 35 million)
• Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi, food outlets, retail shops, family/senior lanes, business lounges
• Easy transfers: Shuttles every 15 min to Terminal 2 & city, prepaid taxis on arrival, onsite parking
• Always open: 24 × 7 operations for smooth check-ins and connections
• Departures: Dedicated departure hall with clear signage and fast-track lanes
• Arrivals: Streamlined baggage claim and customs area for quick exits
• Airport address: Devanahalli, Bengaluru – 560300; well signed from NH 44, with GPS coordinates on all ride-hail apps

Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2:

• Flights: All global departures and arrivals operate here since Sept 12, 2023
• Departures: Self-service kiosks, fast-track security and clear signage for stress-free boarding
• Arrivals: Smooth immigration, quick baggage reclaim and easy customs clearance
• Size & Capacity: 255,000 m², 60+ check-in desks, 15 gates—25 M passengers/year (Phase I)
• Expansion: Phase II by 2028 adds 200,000 m² for 20 M more travellers
• Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, lounges, duty-free shops, family/senior lanes
• Dining: Cafés, sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go outlets
• Address: Devanahalli, Bengaluru 560300; accessible via NH 44 and the Bengaluru–Kempegowda Expressway

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, is about 35 km from MG Road. By car on NH 44, it takes around 45–60 minutes, with traffic jams often near Hebbal and Yelahanka. From Whitefield, the Airport lies 45 km away via the Outer Ring Road and NH 44. A taxi costs about ₹1,200–₹1,500 and takes 55–70 minutes. The BMTC Vayu Vajra shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 4 am to midnight, covering the route in about 75 minutes for ₹260.

Four main roads feed the Airport—NH 44, the NH 75 Ring Road link, ORR East, and Airport Road—handling roughly 40,000 vehicles daily. When the 58 km Blue Line metro extension opens in late 2026, it will cut travel time from central Bangalore to about 50 minutes, with trains every 10 minutes at peak and every 15 minutes off- peak.

Kempagowda International Airport's owner is Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL). The Government of India has given BIAL permission to operate the Airport for 30 years, with a choice to extend for another 30 years. BIAL is a mix of public and private ownership. GVK originally owned 43% of the Airport but sold 33% to Fairfax Financial in 2016 for ₹2149 crore. Now, 26% of the Airport is owned by government bodies, while 74% is held by private companies Fairfax Financial and Siemens.

Bangalore has only 1 international airport- Kempegowda International Airport, and this Airport is reviewed as the best Airport in India. Domestic arrival is smooth, and the Airport has lots of food options available. The Airport is modern and equipped with many facilities for travellers.

Some major Services at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) are:

• Lost & Found: 24×7 counter by T1 arrivals for quick item recovery
• Baggage Help: DesAirportrousel exits for delayed or damaged luggage
• Prepaid Taxis: Fixed fares to MGAirport, Whitefield, and key city points
• Currency & ATMs: Exchange major currencies landside in T1/T2; 24×7 INR/USD ATMs
• Ride Kiosks: Book Ola/Uber departure lobby—no phone needed
• Car Rentals: Self-drive and chauffeur services in the Arrivals zones
• Free Wi-Fi: Connect to “BLR_Free_WiFAirportunlimited 30 Mbps
• EV Charging: Fast-charge Airport P2 parking (near T2)

Prestige Evergreen is one of the latest apartment launches near the Kempegowda International Airport, just 51 km away from the project site, developed by the Prestige group in Varthur Main Road, Whitefield. This pre-launch Onsite offers best- designed 1,2, and 3 BHK flats, with a configuration range of 750 - 1900 sq ft, a total of 2000 apartments. It can be reached through State Highway 104. This route takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes.

FAQs - Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

1. What is the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Bangalore airport?

At Kempegowda International Airport, Terminal 1 is your go-to for all domestic travel. It covers about 150,556 m², offers 12 boarding gates and over 40 check-in counters, and handles up to 35 million passengers a year. Terminal 2, on the other hand, is built just for international flights. Its first phase spans 255,000 m² with 15 gates and more than 60 check-in desks, serving 25 million travellers annually (with room for 20 million more by 2028).

2. Which terminal is the domestic departure in Bangalore?

Every domestic departure and arrival happens at Terminal 1. Whether you’re catching a flight to Delhi, Mumbai or anywhere else in India, you’ll check in and board from T1.

How many hours before departure should you arrive at Bangalore airport?

For a smooth start, plan to reach the Airport 2 hours before your domestic flight. If you’re flying internationally, give yourself 3 hours to check in, clear security and drop your bags without rushing.