Interview: How Bangalore International Airport Limited is building a legacy of meaningful impact
“We’ve outlined plans for the development of around 30,000sq m of commercial space across various areas, with project work already underway,” says the dynamic operator of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
Prologue: Almost a year on from his last visit to the extraordinary Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru run by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie caught up with the BIAL commercial team to look back on recent performance and a host of exciting developments that lie ahead.
The Moodie Davitt Report: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru enjoyed a stellar year in passenger traffic in 2024, with volume up circa +9.5%, exceeding the 40 million milestone for the first time.
Within that, how did retail and F&B perform both domestically and internationally?
Bangalore International Airport Limited: As you say, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Airport experienced a remarkable year in 2024, surpassing 40 million passengers for the first time and reflecting a robust growth rate.
This achievement not only solidified our status among major airports but also fuelled a substantial increase in non-aeronautical revenue.
The introduction of new retail and food & beverage outlets in Terminal 2 played an important role in driving steady double-digit growth in this segment. Notably, duty free emerged as the leader in non-aero revenue growth for 2024, closely followed by hospitality and retail.
With a predominantly domestic passenger base, our F&B operations in the domestic terminal outperformed those in the International Terminal.
Burgeoning in Bengaluru: Key takeouts
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Passengers showed a strong preference for outlets such as CTR, Hatti Kaapi, Farzi Café and Chaayos, which offer an array of local cuisines, including delectable South Indian delicacies, filter coffee, Chai and north-west frontier dishes.
There has also been a notable surge in interest for iconic international brands such as Wolfgang Puck, James Martin Kitchen, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, La Madeleine, PF Chang’s and Giraffe, particularly among young business travellers and Millennials.
In retail shopping, aside from perfumes & cosmetics and fashion accessories, we are witnessing an increasing trend towards gifting options such as art and artefacts, clean beauty products, souvenirs, toys, and Indian confectionery and chocolate.
In 2024, we launched several renowned brands, including Montblanc, Boss, Michael Kors, Armani Exchange, Superdry and Tumi, further enhancing our retail offering.
Additionally, our award-winning 080 Lounges have emerged as hidden gems within the airport, offering passengers an unparallelled hospitality experience and a delightful culinary journey in a breathtaking brand environment.
Overall, how would you sum up 2024’s commercial performance and 2025 prospects (and performance to date)?
The overall commercial performance in 2024 has been exceptionally strong, marked by notable growth in all business areas driven by increased passenger traffic, innovative store openings, and positive market sentiments.
The launch of 27 new commercial concepts in both terminals has significantly contributed to this success.
The opening of Terminal 2 has particularly amplified growth in the duty-free, ground transportation and advertising business. Our retail and hospitality offerings also experienced remarkable growth, including the new 080 Lounge in the International terminal.
The outlook for 2025 is equally exciting and promising. We’ve outlined plans for the development of around 30,000sq m of commercial space across various areas, with project work already underway. Our strategy involves taking on 60-70 new commercial concepts in the coming months.
Additionally, we’re expanding our reach beyond BLR Airport, with our Lounge Subsidiary BASL set to operate lounges at two other Indian airports. Our team is enthusiastic about these forthcoming opportunities, which position us well for continued growth and innovation.Click on the video above (or the podcast below) to access the first episode of a new Moodie Davitt Report series, Explore the Experience Era, in association with Airport Dimensions. It features Bangalore International Airport Ltd Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Paikray in conversation with Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam and The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt
Since my last visit in June 2024 what have been the key commercial and consumer offer changes? And any key developments in the pipeline you can share?
We’ve made noteworthy advancements in our commercial and consumer offerings since then. Our phyigital platform, BLR Pulse, has been a frontrunner, evolving continually to enhance convenience and enrich the passenger experience. It now enables seamless booking for flights, taxis, lounges, food, duty free, and much more.
We’ve also introduced a loyalty programme on BLR Pulse, rewarding customers with every transaction. In 2024, BLR Pulse recorded an impressive 2.5 million visits, while our unified payment gateway, BLR Pay, effectively handled over 7 million transactions.
In line with our sustainability goals, we became the first airport in Asia to achieve ACI’s highest Level 5 Accreditation for our ESG initiatives and our Net Zero Emissions Target (Scopes 1 and 2), accomplished seven years ahead of schedule. We also secured three LEED Platinum Certifications for our non-aero revenue streams, including our retail and F&B concepts, duty free and lounges.
Our vision has always been to create an experience that goes beyond just a transit space – it’s about offering travellers a sense of place, comfort and exclusivity.
Recently, we have launched exciting new commercial concepts featuring local heroes, including iconic South Indian restaurant CTR (Central Tiffin Room), celebrated for its 90-year legacy and signature Benne Masala Dosa. Other notable additions include the luxury Indian apparel brand Perona, the esteemed Ayurveda brand Forest Essentials and the luxury watch retailer Ethos.
Looking ahead, we have several significant pipeline projects underway. As mentioned, we are working on a 30,000sq m commercial development plan that aims to introduce over 200 new concepts in the next two to three years.
This will be executed through four key projects: the Reimagination of T1, Quad-1, the Multimodal Transport Hub and Quad-2. We’re excited about these developments and their potential to elevate the airport experience even further. Our mission is to transform BLR Airport into a premier destination that transcends mere transit.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru was recently named Best Airport for Arrivals Globally in the 2024 ACI World ASQ Awards. What does such an award mean to the airport and BIAL and how important has the arrivals shopping experience been to that recognition?
Receiving the prestigious ACI ASQ award for Best Airport for Arrivals globally for the third consecutive year is an honour for us.
This recognition validates our commitment to providing travellers with a seamless and enjoyable experience upon arrival. It showcases the effectiveness of our streamlined procedures, including efficient immigration and customs checks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and prompt baggage delivery.
One of the key aspects contributing to this award is our focus on enhancing the arrivals shopping and dining experience. We identified this as a crucial element early on, leading to the development of Quad in 2018.
The first lifestyle destination specifically for arriving passengers at an Indian airport, the vibrant array of shopping and dining options in the Quad ensures that every arrival is not only convenient but also enriching.
Quad’s success has set a standard, inspiring other Indian airports to adopt similar concepts. This validation reinforces our belief in prioritising the arrival experience, ultimately contributing to our sustained recognition in international awards and enhancing the overall satisfaction of our passengers.
Similarly, the T2 080 Domestic Lounge Terminal 2 was named ‘Best Domestic Airport Lounge’ title at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2024 and the 080 International Lounge ‘Favourite Airport Lounge’ at the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards 2024. I have obviously seen (and enjoyed) both but sum up what you think drove the success.
The 080 Lounges represent our commitment to hospitality. We aim to bring luxury back into air travel through our 080 Lounges, and our team is dedicated to making every visit unforgettable.
The recent awards inspire us to consistently provide exceptional service. These recognitions reflect the airport’s commitment and dedication to creating a world-class travel experience, blending comfort, elegance and exceptional service for passengers, highlighting the trust and appreciation passengers have for BLR Airport’s 080 Lounges.
Our vision has always been to create an experience that goes beyond just a transit space – it’s about offering travellers a sense of place, comfort and exclusivity.
Our success is driven by a combination of factors: a thoughtfully designed space that pays homage to India’s rich culture and heritage; an elevated culinary experience that caters to global palates; and most importantly, a passionate team that ensures every guest feels valued.
As Bangalore International Airport Limited Managing Director and CEO Hari Marar said, “Receiving the awards from Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure speaks of the passion and care that went into shaping the lounges in Terminal 2.
“Every element of the lounges reflects our commitment to crafting spaces that combine elegance, comfort, and a deep sense of place. These recognitions motivate us to continue elevating the travel experience and setting new standards in hospitality.”
We cannot talk about Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, of course, without reference to Mitti Café, which recently celebrated its win at the sixth edition of the BLR Highfliers Award. Tell us about your relationship with Mitti and how you see its success story since that first breakthrough opening.
Mitti Café is not just a café or a diversity and inclusion initiative; it embodies a transformative movement and serves as a beacon of hope for over a billion people with disabilities worldwide.
Being associated with Mitti Café allows us to act as a catalyst in raising awareness not only among passengers but also within the broader aviation ecosystem and society.
We recognised Mitti Café’s contributions at the sixth edition of the BLR Highfliers Award, as it highlights the impact of this initiative. Its success story has been truly inspiring, showcasing the potential of inclusive practices and empowering individuals with disabilities.
We are excited to witness more airports, corporations and government establishments embracing this movement, amplifying its message and reach.
As we continue this journey, we are excited to announce plans for opening another Mitti Café in Terminal 2. This new location will further extend our commitment to inclusivity and provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, reinforcing our mission to promote a society where everyone is valued and included.
In closing, how do you view prospects for Indian aviation and travel retail – and for BIAL in particular?
The future of Indian aviation and travel retail is incredibly promising, with several significant developments and opportunities on the horizon driven by macro and microeconomic growth, escalating passenger demand, airport modernisation and the introduction of new airlines and aircraft.
At BIAL, our vision extends beyond simply operating a transport hub. We aim to create a gateway that truly reflects the spirit of Bengaluru – a city celebrated for its vibrant culture, innovation and deep connection to nature. This sense of belonging shapes our identity and informs every decision we make.
We are dedicated to building a legacy of meaningful impact that resonates within our surrounding communities.
Our unwavering commitment to the socio-economic development of the region drives all our initiatives and strategies. BIAL is not just about travel; it is about transformation and empowerment, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved. 
