KIA gets 'terminal' boost with kids' zone

  Killing time at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) domestic departure terminal just got interesting for children. Opening up Zwoosh, a thematic, exclusive retail-cum-activity area for children on Wednesday, the airport expanded its commercial experience zones beyond shopping, food and fashion.

Designed by Michael Foley, Zwoosh is now an option for passengers to leave their children to play in a safe area while they shop in the vicinity. This design approach of mixing convenience with shopping echoed through the other retail areas, now rejigged and upgraded in both the domestic and international departure areas. A media preview confirmed it.

Food and beverage sections in the international departure area had earlier received a hyper-boost with an expanded terminal space. But MTC, an ethnic South Indian restaurant, stood out for its focus on homely food.

“This has been a runaway success with the passengers. The chefs had actually visited households to replicate the culinary experience,” explained an official.

Handicraft and heritage products at The Lotus House designed by Siddhartha Das, the oldest bag made by Hidesign, an original loom flanked by Mysuru silk sarees and jewellery exclusively made for KIA were part of a larger design to showcase South India at the airport.

Operationalised in September 2014, the Day Hotel now clocks an occupancy rate of 65 per cent. The facility, which is open 24/7 has 13 single rooms, four double rooms, two family rooms and a twin-room besides a Spa and three shower rooms.

“The Day Hotel is aimed at the busy traveller and cater to their various needs, be it to relax after long-haul flights, waiting in betw­e­en flights or a shower to freshen up,” said a BIAL official.