Rain causes chaos at KIA Terminal 2

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Heavy rainfall on Thursday in Bengaluru posed problems for operations at Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) with rainwater leaking into the terminal building and multiple flights diverted due to low visibility.

Rain water seeped through the roof near the baggage claim area of T2 during the downpour. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of KIA, expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to travellers.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), KIA recorded 72.4 mm of rainfall, while Bengaluru city received 14 mm by 8:30 am on May 10. T2, constructed at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022 and has earned praise as one of the 'world's most beautiful airports' at UNESCO's Prix Versailles 2023.

The terminal first faced water leakage shortly after it was opened for domestic operations on January 15, 2023, followed by the commencement of international flights on September 12.

Flight operations were severely disrupted, with 17 Bengaluru-bound flights diverted to Chennai due to adverse weather conditions on Thursday night.

A BIAL spokesperson reported that 13 domestic flights, three international passenger flights, and one international cargo flight were diverted due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, rendering the airport temporarily inaccessible for landings.

Three international flights—Singapore Airlines SQ 510, Etihad EY 238 from Abu Dhabi, and KLM KL-879 from Amsterdam—were diverted to Chennai. Air port-bound travellers encountered difficulties due to waterlogged roads, particularly from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal flyover and Hunasamaranahalli, causing traffic congestion.