A soothing massage or relaxing with a drink while watching aircraft land or take off is what passengers waiting to board their flights can look forward to at the newly inaugurated T1 terminal of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
The new waiting lounges in the domestic and international departure areas offer contemporary looks and several facilities for passengers. Among other things, new mothers can look forward for 13 baby centres done up in contemporary styles and offering diapers and nappies free of cost.
The Lotus House caters to those interested in shopping for local artefacts. With a wide range to offer, including the famed Chennapatna toys, the concept has been well accepted, airport officials say. “Recently, a wooden Ganesh idol worth Rs. 75,000 was bought by a passenger on transit,” says an official of Bangalore International Airport Ltd., which has been operating the airport since its inauguration in May 2008.
“This is not all. We will introduce day hotels, child play area, a business centre and an entertainment area so that passengers can have a good feel of the airport and enjoy their stay,” says Daniel Bircher, Director (Operations) of BIAL. “New concessionaires bringing in new facilities will be coming up in the next nine months and the old terminal area will also be revamped to integrate with the new terminal,” he adds.
Reflecting flavours of the southern states is the food and beverages section that offer cuisine from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Mr. Bircher said that the duty free products, including liquor, is either cheaper or on a par with prices in Dubai’s duty free shops.
A silent airport? A process is under way to make KIA a “silent airport” by drastically reducing the number of public announcements.
“Flight information displays and signages will be increasingly used in future. Currently, about 20 announcements each in English, Kannada and Hindi are made in an hour. We seek to reduce this,” said Mr. Bircher. However, announcements at boarding gates and those pertaining to security would continue, he added. Also, the BIAL is planning to integrate the announcements for hearing-impaired passengers with hearing aids through Bluetooth technology.
