Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set to have a separate terminal for Haj pilgrims.Usually, Haj Committee of India plans pilgrim flight departures during April and May from KIA. A temporary passenger holding area was previously established during the season to accommodate passenger traffic. “Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), the airport operator, is planning a contingency terminal for hosting a separate terminal for Haj pilgrims,” a source said.Outside of the pilgrimage season, the building will be converted to a sports facility to be used for recreational purposes. Another official told TOI that the plan is currently at an initial stage. “Right now, there is a temporary facility… But now there could be a permanent structure,” the official explained.The upcoming facility will be able to hold over 10,000 passengers every year, according to estimates. It will be planned as a silent terminal. Karnataka is among the top 10 Indian states in terms of the number of Haj pilgrims sent every year. This year alone, Karnataka State Haj Committee sent a total of 11,680 pilgrims from the state, with the majority flying in and out of KIA.
