Centre accepts proposal to name Bangalore airport after Kempegowda

The civil aviation ministry has accepted a proposal to name Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) here after founder of this garden city Kempegowda.

Civil Aviation minister Ajit Singh has informed External Affairs minister SM Krishna that the proposal to name BIA after Kempegowda, has been accepted by the ministry.

Krishna had sent a proposal to civil aviation ministry that the BIA be named as Kempegowda International Airport.

Sources close to Krishna said here that Singh has informed that the proposal will be brought before the next Union Cabinet for approval. Earlier similar demands were made soon after the airport become operational and there were suggestions that it be named after 12th century social reformer Basaveswara.

However, the Centre decided to retain the first greenfield airport built in joint venture in the city as Bengaluru International Airport.