Bengaluru: Marking 18 years of operations of the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India Post has released a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation (PPC), along with a Special Cover and Picture Postcards.
The commemoration recognizes the airport’s role as Bengaluru’s gateway to the world and reflects the city’s journey from its historic roots to its emergence as a globally connected hub for innovation, enterprise, and culture.
The milestone commemorates the airport’s journey since 2008, from India’s first Greenfield airport developed through a public private partnership to one of the country’s leading aviation hubs.
Over the years, KIA has grown alongside Bengaluru, supporting the city’s emergence as a globally connected centre for technology, innovation, enterprise and culture.
The Permanent Pictorial Cancellation will be available for the public at the airport post office, and features the image of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda alongside the airport, symbolizing the connection between Bengaluru’s heritage and its modern global identity.
The Special Cover and Picture Postcards further extend this narrative, offering travellers and philately enthusiasts a tangible keepsake that captures the spirit of the city.
Aligned with the airport’s ‘Feels like BLR’ campaign, the release reflects the airport’s effort to create more meaningful and culturally rooted passenger experiences, offering travellers a deeper connection with Bengaluru beyond the journey itself.
Speaking on the occasion, Hari Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said: “As the airport marks 18 years of operations, it is a moment to reflect on a journey that has evolved alongside Bengaluru’s own transformation over the years. What began as a greenfield airport in 2008 has today grown into one of India’s leading aviation hubs, shaped by culture, connectivity, and future-ready infrastructure. For millions of travellers, the airport has also become their first experience of Bengaluru. The Permanent Pictorial Cancellation released by India Post thoughtfully commemorates this journey. As we look ahead, our focus remains on building immersive passenger experiences while continuing to support the city’s evolving aspirations.”
V Tara, Director (Postal Services), Bengaluru region, added: “The release of this Permanent Pictorial Cancellation is a tribute to KIA’s significance as an important gateway to Bengaluru and the wider region. We are pleased to celebrate an institution that reflects both the city’s heritage and its contemporary global identity. The Special Cover and Picture Postcards will serve as lasting keepsakes for travellers, collectors, and citizens alike.”
What is a PPC?
A Permanent Pictorial Cancellation is a distinctive long-term postmark issued by India Post to commemorate locations of cultural, historical, or tourist significance. At KIA, the PPC will be available at the airport post office from May 26, 2026 for the public. The Special Cover and Picture Postcard will be available at Philatelic Bureau, Bengaluru GPO, and all other Philatelic Bureaus of Karnataka.
