Bengaluru Skyline Set for Vertical Shift? DK Shivakumar Pushes to Ease Airport Height Caps

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 10:04 IST

Bengaluru has three airstrips impacting building heights -- the HAL airport in East Bengaluru, Airforce Station in Yelahanka and the Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has formally appealed to the Union Aviation Ministry to overhaul stringent building height restrictions surrounding Bengaluru’s major aviation hubs, including Kempegowda International Airport, HAL, and the Yelahanka Air Base.

Speaking in New Delhi following a high-level meeting with Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Shivakumar emphasised that current limitations are stifling the city’s urban expansion and causing unnecessary congestion.

Addressing reporters on the disparity between Bengaluru and other major Indian cities, he stated, “We discussed increasing the building height limits in Bengaluru. Hyderabad, Mumbai and other cities have higher limits, we are seeking parity."

The push for vertical growth is seen as a critical component for the upcoming Bengaluru Business Corridor, which could face significant hurdles if current height caps remain in place. Shivakumar noted that the height restrictions around airports and airbases are a major hindrance for development, explaining that “builders in Bengaluru are hesitating to purchase Premium FAR in view of these height limitations".

He further revealed that the Union Minister has committed to reviewing international and domestic guidelines and will consult with the Defence Ministry to find a comprehensive solution. “The Union Minister told us that he would speak to Defence Minister. I will also meet the Defence Minister and discuss this issue. This is important for Bengaluru’s development," Shivakumar added.

In addition to height regulations, the state government is moving forward with plans for a second international airport to alleviate the growing pressure on existing infrastructure. The central government has requested that Karnataka finalise a specific location from a shortlist of options, prompting a detailed analysis of the pros and cons for each potential site.

Shivakumar clarified that the responsibility for the site selection now rests with the state, saying, “The Centre has shared its feedback on the second airport. It has asked us to finalise the location for the second airport. We have a few options for the location and we will take a decision after weighing the pros and cons."

While Industries Minister MB Patil is officially responsible for the airport project, Shivakumar highlighted the urgency of preparing for the future as the 25-year non-compete clause with Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) is set to expire in 2033.

When questioned about the potential impact of this agreement on a new facility, the Deputy Chief Minister remained optimistic about the timeline and management. “The non-compete clause ends in 2033, we have to prepare ourselves before that," he noted, adding that “there won’t be any restriction if the BIAL does the second airport also."

By initiating the planning process now, the government aims to ensure a seamless transition and continued industrial growth for the region well before the current exclusivity agreement concludes.

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