Security runs on before KIA Terminal 2 launch

BENGALURU: Massive security checks were undertaken by security agencies to ensure a smooth maiden flight from Terminal 2 on Sunday at 8.40 am by Star Air. Airport operator BIAL plans to scale up operations at T2 for a smooth take off while the largest airline operating from Bengaluru, IndiGo, plans to stay put at Terminal 1 only for now, said sources.

Star Air will fully shift its operations to the new terminal. It operates the Embraer 145 aircraft which has a maximum seating capacity of 50 plus two cabin crew. VIPs including a few MPs and MLAs will be on the debut flight but their identities are under wraps.

“Our first flight (S5-117) from KIA to Kalaburagi has been fully booked. We want our passengers to experience the spectacular Terminal 2. So we have decided to shift all our operations here,” said CA Boppanna, Head of Airport Services at Star Air. An airline spokesperson claimed its second departing flight from the terminal had received good bookings. S5-101 to Hubballi will depart at 11.55 am and reach its destination at 12.55 pm. “We are taking all precautions to ensure no untoward incident takes place. We have been carrying out multiple checks during the last fortnight,” said a top CISF official. City Police Commissioner CH Pratap Reddy visited the new terminal.

No aerobridge
The shuttle bus will take passengers directly from the terminal to the aircraft. “This, being a small aircraft, there will be no need of an aerobridge,” an airport source said. BIAL has deliberately chosen to start off in a small manner, another source said. “They are wary of technical glitches new airports face. The recent problems faced by the second airport at Goa too has made them play safe,” he added.