File photo of Terminal 2 of Bengal Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). | Photo credit: MURALI KUMAR K
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has introduced Connections by BLR, a transfer experience designed to make connecting journeys seamless.
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said the new service is built to address common challenges in the transfer process and is anchored on three pillars: simplicity, efficiency and experience.
“Working with airlines and other stakeholders, Connections by BLR simplifies and standardizes the transfer journey for passengers across terminals to provide a better travel experience. This initiative strengthens KIA’s position as a transfer-focused gateway, supported by expanding infrastructure and growing passenger traffic,” BIAL said.
Key improvements
Key services and enhancements include dedicated transfer counters across the terminals for assistance, color-coded (blue and yellow) navigation signage that is easy to identify, dedicated transfer zones, free shuttles between terminals with predictable minimum wait times, a selection of lounges for relaxation and comfort, modified retail and F&B options in transfer areas, sleeping pads for short stays in rooms and offering T2 stays in terminals for longer stopovers.
BIAL said international transfer traffic at the airport grew by more than 30% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand and long-term potential.
Transfers currently represent around 15% of total passenger traffic and are expected to grow to 20% by 2026 as seamless transfers become increasingly important to both passengers and airline network planning.
BIAL said this growth also reflects the airport’s emergence as a preferred gateway in the region, supported by continued infrastructure development including the West Cross taxiway, the renovation of Terminal 1 and the expansion of Terminal 2.
“The continued growth in transfer traffic reflects both the depth of our network and the strategic opportunity ahead. With ‘Connections by BLR’, we are institutionalizing a more seamless and reliable transfer path while strengthening the operating environment for our airline partners. This initiative positions us to deepen network connectivity, attract new flows and support the next phase of scalable growth at KIA,” said Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL.
Mushroom transfer
KIA connects 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.
BIAL added that with its strategic geographical location and expanding network, the airport is well positioned to serve as a key global gateway and the introduction of Connections by BLR further strengthens its progress towards a hub.
Published – 17 March 2026 14:54 IST
