Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has upgraded its north runway (09L/27R) to Code F compliance, enabling it to handle the world’s largest commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.KIA, operated by Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), is the only airport in South India to operate independent parallel runways, allowing aircraft to land and take off simultaneously. Until now, only the south runway (new runway) was Code F compliant. With this latest upgrade, both runways are now capable of accommodating Code F aircraft. According to a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued recently, the north runway has received regulatory approval from India’s aviation authorities. BIAL confirmed that the runway now meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Code F standards, which cater to aircraft with wingspans between 65 and 80 metres. The upgrade involved strengthening pavement surfaces, widening shoulders, and enhancing taxiway connectivity to support larger and heavier aircraft. The development marks a significant step in KIA’s expansion strategy, positioning Bengaluru among India’s few airports equipped to handle next-generation, long-haul international operations.
