Bengaluru’s Need for Increased Airport Competition
As Bengaluru continues to grow as a vibrant cosmopolitan city, attracting professionals, entrepreneurs, and industries from around the world, there is a need for increased airport competition to meet the rising demands of air travel. Just as airlines fiercely compete with each other, the same principle should apply to airports. Cities like London, New York, and Paris have demonstrated the benefits of healthy airport competition, which includes improved service quality, reduced prices, and increased air travel.
The Current Challenges for Bengaluru Residents
Currently, residents of areas such as Electronic City, Jigani, Hosur, and Bidadi in Bengaluru face extensive travel times to reach the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) located in north Bengaluru. These individuals, who need to catch a flight, often endure arduous journeys of three hours or more. Not only does this consume valuable time, but it also adds to the overall cost of air travel. The longer air travel time to domestic destinations makes it less affordable for ordinary people who may prefer air travel as a means of transportation.
The Potential Solution: More Airports
Introducing more airports in Bengaluru could address these challenges and bring about several benefits for the city and its residents. By fostering healthy competition among airports, service quality is likely to improve, prices may become more competitive, and air travel will become more accessible to a larger portion of the population.
Lessons From Previous Air Connectivity Attempts
Previous examples from Bengaluru’s history demonstrate the setbacks faced in achieving improved air connectivity. During the operations of Air Deccan, the then-chief minister requested a flight to Bidar, the northernmost part of Karnataka. However, this request proved challenging due to restrictions preventing airlines from flying to a new airport within 150 kilometers of Hyderabad. Despite efforts to establish a civilian enclave in Bidar for flights, the lack of cooperation hindered air connectivity to the region.
Challenges for Regional Passengers
One of the current drawbacks faced by smaller regional airports is the prioritization of major airlines operating wide-body aircraft. These large private airports typically cater to airlines carrying 200-450 passengers and generate significant revenue from landing charges, handling fees, and other ancillary services. Consequently, smaller regional aircraft serving 20-75 passengers, particularly from rural areas, face difficulties in accessing these airports due to high costs. Government pressure to accommodate such flights often results in excessively high rates, limiting the feasibility of these operations.
The Way Forward
To address these challenges and achieve improved connectivity, Bengaluru should consider the establishment of additional airports in strategic locations, particularly in areas that are currently underserved. By promoting competition and lowering the barriers for regional flights, more residents will be able to benefit from the convenience and affordability of air travel. Furthermore, smaller airports should be encouraged to serve as transportation hubs for economic growth, focusing on the demands of rural areas and fostering regional development.
Conclusion
As Bengaluru continues to thrive as a major hub for industries and professionals, addressing the challenges of airport connectivity has become essential. Introducing more airports, fostering healthy competition, and ensuring accessibility for regional flights will not only benefit the city’s residents but also contribute to the overall growth and development of Bengaluru. It is time to recognize the importance of airport competition and take bold steps to meet the growing demands of air travel in this cosmopolitan city.
