HAL airport: the last-ditch effort

HAL airport: the last-ditch effort
DH News Service, Bangalore:

The onus on retaining civil aviation operations at the HAL airport, even after the new international airport in Devanahalli takes off in April 2008, is back on the State government. Though Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has assured a look-in on the proposal, it remains to be seen whether a revision of the agreement between Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the Union Ministry for Civil Aviation is possible at this juncture or not.
The agreement says that no airport would be permitted to operate within 150 km from the Devanahalli airport. While government sources say that the chances of a revision are remote, there is a contention that it all depends on how Bangalore’s air passengers mount pressure on the government.
With around 300 movements per day and a passenger volume of six million per year, the HAL airport is already bursting at its seams. However, what the experts point out in favour of retaining the airport — the third busiest in India — is its potential to serve as a supplementary airport, operating domestic flights.

Connectivity
Another issue raised by those who endorse the idea of two airports in the City, is the poor connectivity between the City and Devanahalli.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has responded to the State’s concerns and is lining up overpasses and service roads on NH 7. However, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) itself is likely to take a year.
According to aviation experts, the Bangalore market offers enough room for two airports. And they point out that two airports also ensure competition to offer better services.
However, they are also concerned about the longevity of the space-strapped HAL airport, as well as the distance international travellers have to take to board connecting domestic flights at the HAL airport, even if the two-airport concept is adopted. The debate has just started.