So finally, after all the delays in the project as well as the inauguration plans, the BIAL Airport at Bangalore was opened to the public.

Earlier, the Karnataka High Court rejected applications seeking stay of the notification announcing the closure of HAL airport. The Court also criticised the Central and State govts for not being adequately prepared as far as commuting to the new airport was concerned.

“Both the Centre and the state are aware the connectivity to new airport would largely affect public interest. We find it hard to believe that the Government of Karnataka had not envisaged or drawn out a master plan even though an agreement was signed in 2004. Providing an international airport with latest technology is by itself not sufficient… it calls upon the Union and the state governments to be sensitive to the needs of the public by providing high-speed access through rail and road network. But they have not shown responsibility. We hope the state and Union government will fulfill the promises made to this court for providing signal-free uninterrupted access to the new airport at the shortest possible time by using the latest technology…,”

As far as the new airport facilities were concerned, passengers were awestruck with the facilities available, including 53 check in counters and 18 self check in machines, food courts, lounges, bookstores, other leading branded stores, as well as Wi-Fi internet facilities.

According to statistics, the airport handled 341 air traffic movements-172 arrivals and 159 departures on the inaugural day. An Air France flight from Paris was the first international flight to land at the new airport.

I also received an email from Kingfisher which mentioned some options for commuting to and from the airport;

  • AC Volvo Buses operated by BMTC to key destinations in the city (indicative price to MG Road: Rs. 120)
  • Taxi services operated by MERU and Easycabs, with a metered fare (indicative rate to MG Road: Rs. 600)
  • Premium Limousine Cars operated by Hertz and Akbar Travels – chauffeur and self-drive cars available, with options to deposit the car at the airport, for the latter option.

 Update: Some teething troubles have already hit the airport.

 

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