What is the difference between terminal 1 and terminal 2?

Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal Tango: Understanding the T1 and T2 Difference

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) has undergone a significant shift in its operations, leading to some confusion amongst travelers. Since September 12th, 2023, a clear distinction has emerged between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2): domestic versus international flights. This separation simplifies the airport experience, but understanding the differences is crucial for smooth travel.

Before September 12th, both terminals handled a mix of domestic and international flights, creating potential bottlenecks and confusion. The recent realignment aims to streamline passenger flow and improve efficiency. Now, Terminal 1 exclusively handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 caters exclusively to international arrivals and departures.

This change isn’t simply about geography; it impacts several aspects of the airport experience:

• Check-in and Security: Passengers departing on domestic flights will utilize the check-in counters and security checkpoints within Terminal 1. International travelers will use the facilities in Terminal 2. This dedicated system reduces congestion and allows for more efficient processing.

• Lounge Access: Previously, lounge access was often managed by third-party providers across both terminals. However, since BIAL (Bengaluru International Airport Limited) assumed full operational control of Terminal 1’s lounges in 2019, they now directly manage the services and facilities available there. This has led to improvements in consistency and service quality. Lounge access details for T2 remain largely unchanged, with a variety of options usually available to passengers depending on their airline and class of travel.

• Customs and Immigration: Naturally, the process of clearing customs and immigration is solely relevant to passengers traveling internationally, taking place exclusively within Terminal 2. Domestic travelers bypass these procedures entirely.

• Transportation: While transportation options are available to both terminals, understanding which terminal your flight departs from or arrives at is essential for efficient ground transportation planning, whether utilizing taxis, ride-sharing services, or the airport’s shuttle system.

In short, the key takeaway is simple: Domestic flights = Terminal 1; International flights = Terminal 2. By understanding this fundamental difference, Bengaluru airport travelers can significantly reduce stress and ensure a smoother journey. Always double-check your boarding pass and flight details to confirm your terminal before heading to the airport. This simple step will prevent any unnecessary delays or confusion.