What is not good at Terminal 2, Bengaluru airport

Terminal 2 at Bengaluru Airport has been operational for some time now, and there’s a lot of buzz around its aesthetics and design. People are raving about it, often comparing it to the greatest airports in the world. While I acknowledge its visual appeal, my logical and rational mind couldn’t help but notice several areas where it falls short. This opinion is based on my personal experiences traveling through this terminal.

Some of my comments are not exclusive to Terminal 2 but broadly apply to the Indian aviation industry.

Outdated Security Systems

During my travels over the past six years, I’ve seen many airports outside India adopt advanced security systems like full-body scanners and 3D computed tomography X-ray (CTX) machines. With these, you don’t need to separate electronic equipment; everything stays in the bag. This not only streamlines the process but also significantly saves time.

I expected Terminal 2, being a new construction, to feature these advanced systems. Unfortunately, it still uses outdated methods. Despite separating electronic items, many bags are still flagged for additional scanning. While India may be progressing economically, in this regard, it remains behind.

No Connection Between Terminals

Traveling between terminals at Bengaluru Airport requires exiting the airport and boarding a shuttle. While Delhi and Mumbai airports have similar complexity in transfer between terminals, but they were built long ago. There should have been an underground walkway or train for smooth movement between terminals.

No Seamless Transit

In most countries, transiting passengers don’t need to pass through additional security checks. However, in India, including Bengaluru Airport, this is not the case. For instance, if I’m traveling from Kolkata to Cochin via Bengaluru, why is an additional security check necessary at Bengaluru when I’ve already passed through security at Kolkata? This process is illogical for domestic transfers and adds unnecessary hassle.

Even if your next flight departs from a gate close to your arrival gate, you end up nearly exiting the airport, re-entering through security, and then rushing to the gate.

No Metro Connection to the City

Typically, when a new airport is constructed, associated infrastructure like trains, roads, and bridges are built simultaneously. Not so in India. Even after 16 years, Bengaluru Airport still lacks a metro connection to the city. The only development has been the addition of a toll booth on the connecting highway, which still suffers from signal delays and flooding.

While BMTC buses are available, nothing beats the efficiency of a metro or train connection. Currently, people often pay nearly 2000 rupees for taxis.

Limited Entertainment for Long Transits

Terminal 2 is undoubtedly beautiful, but there’s little to do during long transits. Compare this to Singapore’s Changi Airport, where you can spend an entire day without getting bored. They even offer free two-hour tours of Singapore for transit passengers!

Fewer International Connections

Despite the new terminal, Bengaluru still lags behind Delhi and Mumbai in terms of international flight options. Flights from Bengaluru are also more expensive. The reasons for this remain unclear to me.

Final Words

I understand that many people are dazzled by the terminal’s grandeur, but I prioritize operational efficiency over aesthetics. There’s a lot more that can be done to enhance the functionality and convenience of not just Bengaluru Airport, but overall airports in India.