The Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB), recorded a 25.2 pc growth in overall air traffic, serving over 18 million passengers in 2015. Domestic passenger traffic grew by 27.4 per cent compared to 2014, while international passenger numbers rose by 15.8 per cent in comparison to the previous year’s traffic.

The annual traffic report released here on Tuesday by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) also showed a 12.7 per cent increase in Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) with an average of 404 ATMs per day. “Domestic ATMs increased by 13.6% and clocked a total of 1,25,481 movements in 2015 while international ATMs rose to 21,986,” the report said.

Last financial year, KIAB had clocked 15 million passengers marking the airport’s graduation to the mid-sized airport category (15 to 25 million passenger airports) within seven years of commencing operations. The airport has emerged as the country’s third largest.

Three new international flights, Nepal Airlines, Thai Air Asia and Kuwait Airways commenced operations from KIAB in September.

Malaysia Cargo and Ethiopian Cargo flew in later. New domestic routes added in 2015 included Jodhpur, Madurai, Rajkot and Cuddapah, while the international routes saw San Francisco, Kathmandu, Kuwait and Addis Ababa (Cargo) services implemented from Bengaluru.

Among the new domestic airlines that began operations from KIAB last year were Air Pegasus, Vistara and TruJet. Cargo recorded an increase of 5.4 per cent in 2015 to reach a total volume of 287,198 metric tonnes.

Voice portal
Airport and flight-related information of airlines operating at KIAB could now be accessed through a custom-developed voice portal and Interactive Voice Response System.

This facility, introduced last year, is available by dialing the toll free number 1800 425 4425.

Passengers could also post their feedback or complaint on the WhatsApp number +91 888 499 8888 for instant response. This service is available 24/7.

Airport hotel
In December, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces commenced operations of the Taj Bangalore at the KIAB. The Taj Bangalore hotel has 154 rooms, 12 luxury suites and a presidential suite, besides 25,000 sqft of banqueting space.