Stuck waiting at KIA? This holiday season, make happy memories instead

Children playing at the temporary play areas created at the Kempegowda International Airport. Playport is held every year from May 1 to 15.

Families whiling away time at the Kempegowda International Airport can now try their hand at virtual parachute gliding and water-surfing (also virtual), among other activities. The Kempegowda International Airport is hosting the next edition of Playport, an annual event held from May 1 to 15 during the peak holiday season.

Different sections of the airport have been turned into playgrounds, keeping in mind this year’s Playport theme ‘Happy Experiences’. Apart from virtual reality games, passengers can also play popular online games and try their hand at art.

Snooker-football tables have been set up for both children and adults.

“We believe airports are all about experiences. Our aim is to turn regular travel into a meaningful and memorable journey. We conceptualised Playport keeping in mind travel during the peak holiday season and wanted to offer visitors a unique and engaging experience while waiting at the airport. We want their vacation to begin right here at the Bengaluru airport,” said Hari Marar, president of airport operations, Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL).

The KIA sees about 69,000 passengers daily during the summer vacations. The BIAL conceptualised Playport in 2011. While the first edition featured workshops and activities, the second edition was based on the theme ‘Malgudi Days’, with people being introduced to the games played in south India. Last year, the theme was ‘Then and Now,’ combining yesteryear games with digital ones.