Written by Sathvi G Bhat
The Bengaluru airport authorities Wednesday unveiled ‘Gate-Z’, a Gen-Z-inspired lounge focusing on customer experience.
Positioned next to the 080 International Lounge in Terminal 2, the new lounge offers interactive zones and AI-led features that simplify navigation and personalisation.
The lounge features Bubble and Brew (a café), The Sipping Lounge, Subway Diner, and the Amphizone (an amphitheatre).
AI-led features are seamlessly integrated to enable intuitive navigation, personalisation, and enhanced passenger convenience.
While rooted in Gen Z values of inclusivity, authenticity and self-expression, Gate Z is intended to resonate across age groups, from young professionals seeking dynamic work-and-social zones to seasoned travellers who value thoughtful comfort and calm, adapting to different travel rhythms, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said in its press statement.
On the launch of Gate Z, George Bennet Kuruvilla, Chief Executive Officer, Bangalore Airport Services Limited (BASL), said: “Gate Z reflects BLR Airport’s intent to design spaces that respond to how travel is experienced today, as part of a broader lifestyle rather than a moment in transit. Inspired by values of inclusivity, authenticity and connection, the lounge brings together comfort, culture and community in a way that feels intuitive and welcoming across age groups. By inviting young Indians to name Gate Z, we extended this philosophy of co-creation, ensuring the space is shaped by the mindset it represents and remains relevant, expressive and people-first.”
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The BIAL informed that the passenger traffic at the airport stood at 43.82 million, up from 40.73 million in 2024, with a growth of 8 per cent. The Bengaluru airport recorded its highest-ever single-day count of 1,37,317 passengers on November 23, 2025. Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) peaked at 837 ATMs on October 19, 2025, while the average daily ATMs for the year stood at 765.
Notably, in October 2025, the Bengaluru airport advanced from third to second place in the number of domestic flights operated among Indian airports. International connectivity also gathered momentum during the year, with average daily international departures increasing from 38 in 2024 to 51 in 2025, translating into a 28.7 per cent year-on-year growth in international passenger traffic.
(Sathvi G Bhat is an intern with The Indian Express)
