Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has been awarded the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for ‘Best Airport for Arrivals Globally’ in 2024, marking its third consecutive win. This recognition is based on passenger feedback evaluating comfort, cleanliness, convenience, and service quality.
Travelers have praised its efficient arrival processes, including streamlined immigration, customs checks, fast baggage delivery, and high-speed Wi-Fi. This achievement underscores the airport’s commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience.
Global Recognition for Excellence
On March 17, 2025, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) announced that Kempegowda International Airport secured the ACI ASQ Award for ‘Best Airport for Arrivals Globally’ for the third consecutive year. This prestigious award is part of ACI’s globally recognised ASQ program, which evaluates airports based on direct passenger feedback across various attributes such as comfort, cleanliness, convenience, and overall service quality.
In 2024 alone, the airport welcomed an impressive 40.73 million passengers—up from 37.2 million in 2023—highlighting its growing significance as a major global travel hub. Passengers have consistently lauded the airport for its seamless arrival processes, which include efficient immigration checks and customs procedures, rapid baggage delivery, and robust high-speed Wi-Fi services that collectively enhance the overall travel experience.
Architectural and Operational Excellence
Beyond operational efficiency, Kempegowda Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has gained recognition for its architectural brilliance and innovative design. In 2023, T2 was awarded the Prix Versailles ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ for its stunning bamboo-clad roofs and lush vertical gardens that reflect Bengaluru’s identity as the ‘Garden City of India.’
The terminal also features a sensory room designed specifically for neurodivergent travelers, promoting inclusivity in air travel by providing a calming space for those with sensory sensitivities. Furthermore, Kempegowda Airport has pioneered sustainability initiatives that set it apart from other airports.
Notably, it constructed a 50km road using plastic waste and became Karnataka’s first fully solar-powered airport—demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing operational efficiency.
A Unique Blend of Culture and Innovation
Kempegowda International Airport stands out not only for its operational excellence but also for its cultural significance within the region. Opened in May 2008 and named after Bengaluru’s founder Kempe Gowda I, the airport has become a symbol of modernity and progress in Karnataka.
It ranks as the third busiest airport in India after Delhi and Mumbai and is known for unique features such as India’s first all-women firefighting squad—a testament to gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields. Additionally, Terminal 2 showcases an impressive collection of artworks created by 43 Indian artists, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the country and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the travel experience.
These elements contribute to a rich tapestry of innovation and culture that makes Kempegowda Airport not just a transit point but a destination in itself.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Kempegowda International Airport’s continued recognition highlights the importance of prioritising passenger experience in public infrastructure. It sets a benchmark for airports worldwide to focus on inclusivity, sustainability, operational excellence, and cultural representation while celebrating local heritage.
As we applaud this achievement and recognise the efforts made by BIAL to enhance air travel standards in India, we invite our readers to reflect: How can other Indian airports adopt similar practices to enhance their global standing? What measures do you think are essential for improving passenger experiences at airports across the country? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
