Kempegowda International Airport Celebrates 18 Years With India Post Commemorative Release

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport has unveiled a commemorative Permanent Pictorial Cancellation (PPC) through India Post to mark 18 years of operations, alongside specially designed covers and picture postcards celebrating the milestone.

The release honours BLR Airport's evolution since its establishment in 2008 as India's first Greenfield airport developed through a public-private partnership. From its inception, the airport has grown into one of the country's premier aviation hubs, serving as a vital connector for Bengaluru's emergence as a global centre for technology, innovation, business, and cultural exchange.

The Permanent Pictorial Cancellation, available to the public at the BLR Airport Post Office, features an image of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda alongside the airport terminal. This design symbolizes the continuity between Bengaluru's historical legacy and its contemporary position as an internationally connected metropolitan centre. The accompanying Special Cover and Picture Postcards extend this commemorative narrative, offering travellers and stamp collectors physical mementos that encapsulate the essence of the city.

The initiative aligns with BLR Airport's Feels like BLR campaign, which aims to create passenger experiences that are culturally resonant and deeply connected to Bengaluru's identity. Through this release, the airport seeks to deepen travellers' engagement with the city beyond their transit experience.

Hari Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), commented on the occasion: "As BLR Airport marks 18 years of operations, it is a moment to reflect on a journey that has evolved alongside Bengaluru's own transformation over the years. What began as a Greenfield airport in 2008 has today grown into one of India's leading aviation hubs, shaped by culture, connectivity, and future ready infrastructure. For millions of travellers, the airport has also become their first experience of Bengaluru. The Permanent Pictorial Cancellation released by India Post thoughtfully commemorates this journey. As we look ahead, our focus remains on building immersive passenger experiences while continuing to support the city's evolving aspirations."

Smt V Tara, Director Postal Services at Bengaluru HQ Region, stated: "The release of this Permanent Pictorial Cancellation is a tribute to BLR Airport's significance as an important gateway to Bengaluru and the wider region. We are pleased to celebrate an institution that reflects both the city's heritage and its contemporary global identity. The Special Cover and Picture Postcards will serve as lasting keepsakes for travellers, collectors, and citizens alike."

A Permanent Pictorial Cancellation represents a specialized long-term postmark issued by India Post to recognize locations of cultural, historical, or tourism importance. The PPC will be accessible at the airport post office beginning 26 May 2026. The Special Cover and Picture Postcards are available at the Philatelic Bureau of Bengaluru General Post Office and across all Philatelic Bureaus throughout Karnataka.