Bengaluru international airport makes ‘transfers’ effortless with new services

Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has introduced ‘Connections by BLR’, a transfer experience designed to make connecting journeys seamless.

Built to address common challenges in the transfer process, the service is anchored on three pillars: Ease, Efficiency and Experiential.

In collaboration with airlines and other stakeholders, ‘Connections by BLR’ simplifies and standardises the transfer journey for passengers across terminals to deliver an enhanced travel experience.

Key services and enhancements include:

• Dedicated transfer desks across terminals for assistance
• Colour coded (Blue and Yellow) wayfinding signages that are easily identifiable
• Dedicated transfer zones
• Complimentary inter-terminal shuttle connectivity with predictable minimal wait times
• Choice of lounges available for relaxation and comfort
• Curated retail and F&B options within transfer areas
• Sleeping pods for short stays
• Transit hotel facilities at T1 and T2, featuring boutique rooms, with convenient in-terminal stays for longer layovers

International transfer traffic at KIA has grown by over 30 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong demand and potential.

Transfers currently account for around 15 percent of total passenger traffic and are expected to rise to 20 percent by 2026, as seamless transfers become increasingly important for both passengers and airline network planning.

This growth also reflects the airport’s emergence as a preferred transfer gateway in the region, supported by ongoing infrastructure developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment, and Terminal 2 expansion.

Current heft

KIA connects to 114 passenger destinations, including 80 domestic and 34 international cities.

Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune are among the top domestic routes, while Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur lead the international network.

Recent additions include Hindon, Bidar, Jaisalmer, Silchar, and Navi Mumbai domestically, and Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Krabi, Hanoi, and Riyadh internationally.