Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 2 now amongst ‘world’s most beautiful airports’; check stunning facts & images

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has achieved a prestigious recognition at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles. Bengaluru airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has earned distinction as one of the ‘World’s most beautiful airports‘ and secured the coveted ‘World special prize for an interior 2023.’
The global panel, chaired by fashion designer Elie Saab, unveiled the latest architectural projects awarded a world title.Bengaluru’s airport stands as India’s sole recipient of this esteemed recognition. This accolade elevates Bengaluru Airport’s status among the world’s top airports.

Applauding the achievement, PM Narendra Modi today shared on X (formerly Twitter), “A commendable feat! Congratulations to the people of Bengaluru.” “Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport is not just a gateway to the vibrant city of Bengaluru but also a showcase of architectural brilliance. This accomplishment reflects the country’s growing prowess in combining world-class infrastructure with artistic beauty,” he said, while sharing images of the terminal’s inauguration from last year.

According to an ANI report, Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bengaluru International Airport Ltd, expressed immense pride, stating that the nomination of terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride. “We are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves,” he was quoted as saying.
Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport T2: Must-know facts
1. Grounded on four key principles—’Terminal in a Garden,’ sustainability, technology and innovation, and the art and culture of Karnataka—the Terminal-2 stands as an architectural marvel.
2. The terminal embodies the theme ‘Terminal in a Garden,’ portraying Bengaluru’s identity as the Garden City. One of the notable features of Terminal-2 is its ‘hanging garden.’ It integrates lush greenery both within and outside the terminal, aiming to provide passengers with a unique visual delight during their journey.

3. The construction of Terminal 2 was completed at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore. Covering an expansive 255,645 sq m, this phase-one terminal accommodates up to 25 million passengers annually.
4. It is equipped with 22 gates, 17 security lanes, and nine baggage claim belts.
5. Crafted predominantly from engineered bamboo—a renewable material emitting zero carbon—the terminal is hailed as a bamboo paradise, symbolizing the Garden City’s essence.

6. It boasts 40 departure gates, including 10 e-gates, and 40 arrival gates, featuring six e-gates and 20 visa on arrival bays.

7. Terminal 2 was previously honored with the prestigious IGBC platinum certification by the Indian Green Building Council, emphasizing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

8. Its sustainable design, pre-certified with a platinum lead rating by the US Green Building Council before operations, echoes the airport’s environmental commitment. It is the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with the platinum lead rating by the US Green Building Council before operational commencement.