Airports

Bengaluru, December 20, 2023: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has been honoured with prestigious accolades at the UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles. The airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has secured recognition as one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ and has been awarded the coveted ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023.’ The World Judges Panel for the Prix Versailles 2023, chaired by Elie Saab (renowned fashion designer), revealed the latest architectural projects to win a World Title. BLR Airport is the only Indian airport to receive this esteemed recognition, highlighting the airport’s commitment to exceptional design and architecture on a global scale. This remarkable achievement positions BLR Airport amongst the top airports globally. The Prix Versailles, established in 2015, focuses on “intelligent sustainability” as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and values of social interaction. T2, also known as the “Terminal in a Garden,” was inaugurated on November 11, 2022. Encompassing 255,661 square meters, the terminal is built upon four foundational pillars: technological leadership, a terminal in a garden, environmental and ecological stewardship, and a celebration of Karnataka’s rich heritage and culture. Embraced in engineered bamboo, the terminal’s interiors offer a contemporary yet classic ambiance. The terminal also features a spacious indoor garden with rammed-earth walls and waterfalls, as well as hanging planted bells, adding to the terminal’s unique aesthetic. Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said, “The nomination of Terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves. T2, with its unique blend of art and technology, serves as a distinctive gateway, leaving a lasting impression on global travellers and offering a glimpse of the rich offerings of our state and country.” In Phase 1, T2 is designed to accommodate 25 million passengers per annum (MPPA), aligning with its vision of blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. T2 aims to be a visual delight to all passengers with its insightfully curated art and décor elements that are part of its recently launched Art Programme that promises to be awe-inspiring making passengers’ journey through the terminal an unforgettable experience. The sustainable design of T2, the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a Platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council before operational commencement, reflects the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, it has garnered the prestigious Platinum certification under the IGBC Green New Building rating system.

Frankfurt,15th December, 2023: BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany) supports dialog and intensive exchange with system partners from the aviation sector in order to jointly meet the challenges of the industry. In this context, the association of airlines operating in Germany welcomes Düsseldorf Airport as a new partner. After Munich and Stuttgart, Düsseldorf becomes another airport in BARIG’s partner portfolio. “Air traffic can only perform well if infrastructure and processes are constantly optimized. Airport operations in particular play an essential role in this regard,” Michael Hoppe, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director, states. “There are many complex interfaces between airport operators and airlines where other players are involved as well, for example in ground operations, aviation security, or sustainability. A good, constructive exchange can contribute to further improvements here, and passengers as well as air cargo customers will benefit from this.” At the last BARIG Full Board meeting in Frankfurt am Main on December 13, 2023, representatives of Düsseldorf Airport and the airlines discussed preparations for next year, particularly with regard to upcoming major events in 2024. “After a strong operational performance during the peak season in 2023, where we had significantly fewer delays and minimal waiting times for passengers, we are now starting to plan for the future. From June 14 to July 14, 2024, the UEFA European Football Championship will take place in Germany. This will likely lead to a considerable increase in demand for flights,” Dr. Henning Pfisterer, Senior Vice President Aviation and Accountable Manager at Düsseldorf Airport, reports. “We are preparing intensively for this event and for the entire travel season while also involving our airline partners. The cooperation with BARIG offers us an excellent platform for this.” Düsseldorf Airport is the largest airport in the most populous federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is one of the four largest commercial airports in Germany. Currently, 59 airlines operate flights to the state capital; in 2022, the airport recorded more than 16 million passengers.

New Delhi,7th December,2023: Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Government of Gujarat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)for development of airports in the state of Gujarat at Gandhinagar in the presence of Sh.Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat on 6th Dec 2023. The MoU is a part of Collaborative efforts to facilitate the expansion of tourism and business opportunities in the state as Airport infrastructure plays vital role for enhanced connectivity and economic development of the State of Gujarat as a part of ‘The Vibrant Gujarat 2024’. The MoU has been signed by NV Subbarayudu, Executive Director (SIU) on behalf of Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Parulben Mansata, CEO, Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL). The MoU was exchanged between Raj Kumar, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat and Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, AAI.The event was attended by senior Govt. officials from Govt of Gujarat. Govt. of Gujarat will provide required land for development and expansion of the airports and AAI will undertake development of the identified airports based on the techno-economic feasibility, in phase wise manner.

New Delhi, 27th October, 2023: Airports Authority of India (AAI) in its continuous efforts to make skies safer and efficient is striving towards modernizing the Air Traffic Management System by investing in State-of-the-art ATM Automation Systems, Surveillance, Communication and Navigation systems. AAI over the last few decades gained vast experience and expertise in developing Quality Requirements for the ATM Automation Systems (ATMAS). Now, AAI and BEL together has achieved remarkable results with success of the Project “Development of Indigenous ATM Automation System and integration of Advanced-surface movement guidance and control system (ASMGCS) with ATMAS”at Bhubaneswar Airport. The new facility was inaugurated Sh. Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India and Sh. Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Electronics Limited, in the august presence of senior officials from both AAI & BEL on 26th October, 2023. The joint development of Indigenous ATM Automation System, underlining the journey of creativity with excellence is aglitteringachievement for AAI and BEL, leveraging on their capabilities and expertise in the fields of ATM systems and R&D giving wings to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’&’Make in India’ mission of Government of India. The new ATMS will also reduce AAI’s foreign dependency for procurement of ANS infrastructure, thereby saving a large amount of foreign exchange outlay, and has etched a new chapter of collaboration in Indian Aviation Industry. ATM Automation System provides the Controllers Conflict prediction/Alert warnings and decision-making tools, enabling Safe and efficient Air Traffic Control.Given that Automation is the mainstay in ATM for handling the growing traffic, AAI’s massive steps to install ATM automation at all medium and major ATC Centers have led to enhanced Safety and operational efficiency apart from assuaging the stress levels of the Controllers. The system comprises multiple, in-house developed technologies, such as Situation Display for Air traffic controller, Surveillance Data Processing (SDP), Flight Data Processing (FDP), Safety Net and Decision Support (SNET), Control & Monitoring Display (CMD), Advanced ASMGCS, etc. It helps in increasing capacity with improved safety by reducing controller workload, improving air traffic flow and minimizing flight delays. Enhanced system reliability and availability are provided through redundant and distributed architecture, safeguarding ATM operations. The MoU for joint development of indigenous ATM Automation System between AAI and BEL was signed during Wings India – 2022 at Hyderabad on 24thMarch 2022.

Jodhpur, 5th Oct 2023: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the development of the state-of-the-art New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport. To be built at a total cost of Rs 480 crore, the New Terminal Building will be developed in an area of about 24,000 sqm and will be equipped to provide services to 2,500 passengers during peak hours. It will cater to 35 lakh passengers annually, improving connectivity and boosting tourism in the region.

New Delhi, 25th September, 2023: Tezu Airport in Arunachal Pradesh got a New Terminal Building with enhanced capacity and better services. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation& Steel inaugurated the New Terminal Building on 24th Sept, 2023 in the august presence of Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh & Nakap Nalo, Minister of Tourism &Civil Aviation, Arunachal Pradesh among other dignitaries. At this occasion,the minster announced three direct routes from Itanagar under the UDAN 5.0 i.e. Itanagar to Delhi, Itanagar to Jorhat, and Itanagar to Rupsi which will be operationalised soon. The new terminal building is made by AAI along with an Air Traffic Control cum Fire Station at Tezu Airport in Arunachal Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs.170 Cr to cater to much needed aspiration of the local community. Constructed in an area of 4000sqm., the new terminal building is equipped to serve 300 passengers during peak hours and 8 lakhs annually. The New Terminal has been designed to prioritize functionality, efficiency, and passenger comfort. The building interior emanates a sense of calm, uncluttered spaces that offer a place for passengers to relax, away from the stress of their long journeys. The interiors of the building also depict local handicrafts, paintings and promote tourist destinations. The terminal will provide all modern passenger facilities like VIP lounge, food & beverage counters, restaurant and retail shops etc. The new terminal building is also equipped with various sustainability features. Tezu airport is currently connected to Imphal, Dibrugarh & Guwahati through regular scheduled flights by Alliance Air &Flybig airlines. The upgraded Tezuairport will not only improve the passenger experience but also contribute significantly to the development of the local economy. The airport will also be able to serve passengers, thereby increasing the flow of tourists and business travellers to the region. This will help in creating new jobs and boosting the local tourism industry.

Bengaluru, Sept 12, 2023: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru commenced its international operations at Terminal 2 (T2) today, September 12, 2023, at 10:15 AM, with the arrival of Saudi Airlines’ flight SV866 from Jeddah. IndiGo was the first Indian carrier to start international operations from T2 with its flight 6E1167 to Colombo. From September 12, 2023, 10:45 AM onwards – Terminal 1 will serve as the operational hub for domestic flights of Indigo, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, and SpiceJet. Terminal 2 will be dedicated exclusively to all international flights along with domestic flights of AirAsia, Air India, Star Air and Vistara. Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) said – “We are thrilled to commence international operations at T2. With its modern infrastructure, efficient processes and diverse retail and dining options, T2 aims to redefine the passenger journey. We look forward to strengthening Bengaluru’s global connectivity while upholding the highest safety standards and ensuring a seamless transition for all international passengers”.

Rajkot,11th September, 2023: Flight operations from the Rajkot International Airport in Gujarat commenced on 10th September, 2023 with the arrival of the first flight from Indore. 11 flights operated on the first day with 2546 passengers travelling through the new airport. The New International Airport in Hirasar at Rajkot, Gujrat which is one of the important gateways connecting Western part of Gujarat to the rest of India and world, was inaugurated by the Prime Minster Narendra Modi on 27th July, 2023. The airport’s terminal building is capable to serve 500 passengers during peak hours; further airport terminal capacity will be increased to 2800 passengers during peak hours and 35 lakh passengers annually. 3040 meters long Runway of the airport is equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS) for facilitation of 24 X 7 operations. The airport is suitable for parking of 14 aircraft to cater to more flights. The New Airport at Rajkot has an amalgamation of modern technology and sustainable features that will not only enhance ease of travel, but will also help to reduce carbon footprint.