Air India has selected Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) to develop Bengaluru as an aviation hub for southern India. Air India, along with other Tata Group airlines - AIX and Vistara, and BIAL will collaborate for international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years.

The partnership includes strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport) through an enhanced network, and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines.

Air India has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Karnataka to establish a comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport. This will stimulate the MRO ecosystem and is projected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for highly skilled individuals in the state.

Air India’s plan to make the city an aviation hub comes as it has set up a target to achieve 30 percent market share in the next few years. The airline-airport synergy is key to elevated customer experience and efficient operations, making Bengaluru attractive as an origin and destination market, as well as a connecting hub.