Air India Begins Construction of MRO Facility in Bengaluru, Scheduled to Open by 2026

Air India has officially started the construction of its new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bengaluru’s Bangalore International Airport. The facility is expected to create approximately 1,200 jobs for skilled aviation engineers and support over 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Karnataka.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, announced that the first phase of the MRO facility is projected to be completed by the end of 2025, with full operational capabilities anticipated by 2026. The facility will be situated on a 35-acre site and is estimated to cost around ₹1,400 crore.

The MRO will feature 12 hangar bays designed for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, with plans for future expansion including additional hangars and a paint hangar. Wilson emphasized that the Bengaluru facility will enhance Air India’s in-house maintenance capabilities, initially handling simpler tasks and progressively taking on more complex maintenance work as it evolves.

Equipped with advanced aircraft maintenance technology, including overhead tele platforms, cranes, universal docking systems, and the largest vertical lift hangar doors in the country, the MRO aims to set new standards in the aviation industry. The facility will also support Air India’s strategy to establish Bengaluru as a major hub, enhancing direct connectivity to global destinations.

Earlier this year, Air India signed a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka government for the development of the MRO facility and an agreement with SIA Engineering Co. as its strategic partner.

Wilson also provided an update on the Air India-Vistara merger, noting that the company is in the final stages of consolidating organizational structures, integrating support systems, and aligning processes and passenger bookings for both airlines.

HBL