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To reduce delays, BIAL is moving towards a dual runway mixed mode, where each terminal will use the nearest runway
Taxiing times at the airport vary depending on parking location and the runway in use. (Representation Image)
4Passengers at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore have voiced concerns over the long time it takes for aircraft to move between terminals and the runway.
The busy taxiway often causes flights to wait in long queues, burning extra fuel while idling. As per Moneycontrol, the ongoing construction of the West Crossfield Taxiway, which connects the two runways on the western side, will help reduce congestion. The taxiway is expected to be finished by December 2026, offering some relief.
BIAL’s Chief Operating Officer, Satyaki Raghunath, explained that taxi times vary depending on the terminal, parking location, and which runway is in use. The airport currently operates with one runway for departures and another for arrivals. On average, taxis take between 10 to 12 minutes, but flights from Terminal 1 (T1) using the south runway can face delays of up to 20 minutes.
To improve this, BIAL is moving towards a dual runway mixed mode, where each terminal will be linked to its nearest runway. This change is expected to significantly reduce taxi times, with T1 using the north runway and T2 using the south.
The new taxiway is designed to streamline aircraft movements and improve ground circulation. Additionally, the airport is working on a plan to allow simultaneous arrivals and departures from both runways, in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and military air traffic. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) for the north runway has already been completed, and work for the south runway is expected to finish by April 2025.
This overhaul is part of the airport’s efforts to boost efficiency, but will require coordination with various agencies, including the Yelahanka Air Force Station and HAL, to implement new airspace procedures.
