Reopening HAL Airport viable, but is BIAL keen?
Closed for commercial operations since May 2008, the city’s HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) airport could reopen for short-haul flights if the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) takes up an offer by the state government to operate it. But the big question remains: Is BIAL interested?
Currently operating the Kempegowda International Airport, BIAL has declined to comment on the matter. Aviation experts indicated that BIAL may not be keen since the completion of the second runway and the second terminal (T2) would boost KIA’s capacity to handle rising passenger numbers for another 10-15 years.
The state Cabinet has decided to extend the concession agreement with BIAL for 30 more years by adding a clause that will allow the company to operate the HAL Airport.
