BIAL eyes direct flights from Bengaluru to South Korea

BIAL plans to launch direct flights from Bengaluru to South Korea, enhancing international connectivity and catering to rising demand.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), is planning to expand its international connectivity to a couple of destinations in Asia Pacific (APAC) region and Europe.

Girish Nair, chief operating officer, BIAL, said, “We are looking at a couple of long haul destinations in the APAC region of which one is a destination in South Korea.”

“There is a good demand for South Korea, especially with Kia (South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer). I am surprised how we still do not have flights from Bengaluru to South Korea because the numbers are really good,” Mr. Nair told The Hindu.

The BIAL is looking to cash in on the airports’ proximity to Kia’s manufacturing plant near Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh and the closest international airport to Penukonda is KIA, which is a little over 100 km by road.

Mr. Nair also said that BIAL has had discussions with a few international airlines to start operations to a couple of European cities.

“In Europe, there are a couple of destinations where we feel we need connectivity. We have some meetings lined up, and we will announce it when it is done,” he said.