TWO YEARS OF BENGALURU DUTY FREE AT TERMINAL 2

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From Features Desk

Two years ago, Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport opened its doors and instantly redefined what an airport could feel like called Terminal in a Garden for its architecture draped in greenery and inspired by the city’s botanical soul, it quickly became more than a point of transit. For Bengaluru Duty Free, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that has since unfolded with exclusive launches, bold campaigns, and an outpouring of appreciation from travellers across the world. International recognition has followed too. The Moodie Davitt Report spotlighted Bengaluru Arrivals Duty Free with the question of whether it might be the world’s best, a moment of pride that reflected both design excellence and retail innovation.
From the moment a passenger steps into Terminal 2, the design sets the tone. The departures store, spanning 1100 square meters, feels like a glass pavilion with sweeping light and patterns that echo Lalbagh Gardens. The arrivals store, spread across 1200 square meters, borrows its character from Bengaluru’s skyline and urban buzz.
Together, they have already welcomed and catered to over five million passengers in 2024 alone. This is not retail squeezed into a terminal, it is retail as a living, breathing extension of the city itself. Travellers often describe this space with a sense of pride. Online, many share how it feels to walk out of immigration and be greeted with the words “Welcome to Bengaluru” under soaring ceilings and local art installations. It is, as one frequent flyer put it, a place that gives you goosebumps.
With Terminal 2 our attempt is to redefine the travel experience in India, and Bengaluru Duty Free is at the heart of this transformation. By placing Indian and global brands on the same stage, we are shaping a retail journey that is both aspirational and inclusive. Looking forward, our focus is on scaling this success and positioning BLR Airport as one of the world’s most admired travel hubs.
– Airport Statement
A key highlight of these two years has been the way Bengaluru Duty Free has placed Indian products on the global stage. While international spirits, perfumes, and chocolates remain a core part of the mix, Terminal 2 has given homegrown names the space to shine just as brightly. In 2024, Bengaluru Duty Free exclusive launches introduced Amrut Nativity on 14 February 2024, Paul John Single Cask on 30 May 2024, Rampur Vintage Select Casks on 11 September 2024, Indri City Series on 7 October 2024, and Yaksha Blue Moon on 11 December 2024. In 2025, travel exclusive first in India launches are led by Godawan Triple Cask Travel Exclusive on 15 June 2025 and Amrut Expedition on 21 August 2025, the latter being India’s most expensive single malt whisky release yet. By placing these offerings alongside global icons, Bengaluru Duty Free has not only expanded choice but also highlighted India’s evolving identity in the world of luxury and lifestyle.
Bengaluru Duty Free brings together India’s finest award-winning spirits. Paul John shines with Nirvana, a Gold Medalist with 22+ global wins, and its ultra-rare Single Cask Exclusive. Amrut continues its legacy with Fusion, crowned “World’s Best Whiskey” 2024, and Triparva, a Gold Medalist in the USA.
Indri adds prestige with its 50+ award-winning Triple Cask and the Bengaluru-exclusive City Series. Godawan has also made its mark internationally, winning Best Single Malt – Godawan at the 2024 International Taste Institute Awards, Gold for Single Malt F&S and R&R at the Spirits Awards 2025 by Monde Selection, and Triple Platinum at the MLSA Competition 2025.
“BIAL and Avolta have created something truly unique—a duty free that not only sells but tells the story of Bengaluru and India. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue blending international excellence with local pride, introducing more homegrown products to the global stage and creating experiences that make every journey unforgettable”
– David Grady
The shopping journey here has been carefully crafted to go beyond transactions. The iconic elephant installation in the store has become a photo worthy symbol of Terminal 2, blending sense of place with retail storytelling. Technology plays a crucial role in making the journey immersive. Digital touchpoints guide travelers through categories and help them explore with ease, including Fragrance Finder, Whisky Finder, and Virtual Make up Try on. These devices understand customer requirements and suggest products based on customer profiling, so every traveller finds something personal and memorable.
Campaigns have also played a major role in building excitement. The Q4 2024 Raining Gold campaign struck a chord with passengers and brought a festive sparkle to the duty-free experience. There were 16 total winners. The first prize was 200 grams of 22k gold, and the remaining 15 winners received 90 grams each. Building on this success, Q4 2025 is set to raise the bar further with multiple campaigns that offer customers more opportunities to win prizes, and that reinforce Bengaluru Duty Free as more than a store. It is an experience to look forward to.
The response from passengers has made it clear that this balance resonates deeply. From reviews to enthusiastic posts on social media, travelers consistently highlight how refreshing it feels to see Indian products celebrated on such a visible platform. Many describe the experience as world class yet unmistakably local. Looking back, the milestone is not just about striking design or exclusive categories introduced.
It is about the shift in perception that Bengaluru Duty Free has driven. By showcasing India’s own talent and products to millions of international and domestic travelers, it has placed the country’s brands firmly in the global spotlight.
Two years on, it is clear that Bengaluru Duty Free has achieved something rare. It has created a destination inside a destination, an airport space that travelers actively look forward to visiting. It stands as proof that retail in India can be both global in sophistication and proudly local in soul. With year-on-year growth at an impressive pace, placeholder for growth percent year on year, and with more launches and campaigns in the pipeline, the journey ahead promises to be even more exciting. For now, as the milestone is marked, the achievement shines through. In just two years, Bengaluru Duty Free has managed to capture not only the spirit of travel but also the unmistakable essence of Bengaluru itself.