IndiGo has invested ₹1,100 crore to set up an MRO facility at Bengaluru Airport.

Under the agreement, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) will allocate around 31 acres of land to IndiGo to develop the MRO facility, which will support the airline’s expanding fleet. The facility will be equipped to handle both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The MoU also outlines broader collaboration, including network expansion, infrastructure development, and joint marketing initiatives.

Speaking on the announcement, Shri M.B. Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, said, “The Government of Karnataka is deeply committed to advancing aerospace and aviation manufacturing in the State. IndiGo’s investment in a state-of-the-art MRO facility further strengthens our vision to make Karnataka the MRO Capital of Asia.

This initiative will not only generate high-quality employment opportunities but also catalyze the development of a globally competitive aviation ecosystem in Bengaluru.” This project is expected to generate over 750 direct high-skill jobs across engineering, logistics, warehousing, and support services. It will also enhance Kempegowda International Airport’s capacity to handle an estimated 1,300 aircraft by FY31, scaling to approximately 2,100 aircraft by FY37/38.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “Developing comprehensive IndiGo MRO capabilities marks a significant and strategic step for IndiGo. Partnering with BIAL underlines our shared commitment to driving the long-term growth of the aviation ecosystem in Bengaluru and cementing its status as one of the best world-class international hubs in India.”

Hari Marar, MD & CEO of BIAL, said, “The partnership reinforces our commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure and enhancing BLR Airport’s role as India’s premier aerospace and MRO hub.

The facility will attract leading global OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, creating a multiplier effect that boosts ancillary industries, vendor ecosystems, and skill development across the region. This announcement follows IndiGo’s statement on Wednesday that it will be the first airline to operate commercial flights from the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

BLR Airport, operated by BIAL, became the first airport in South India to serve over 41.88 million passengers and process 502,480 metric tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25. It has also surpassed 350 million cumulative passengers since its opening.

(Inputs from bl intern Nethra Sailesh)

Published on May 30, 2025