“Can’t Believe”: Japanese vlogger awestruck at Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 2 Beauty
Screenshot of the video Instagrammed by Japanese vlogger Kiki Chen
Bengaluru, November 15, 2024: After being named one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ by UNESCO, the Terminal-2 (T2) of Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has added one more admirer to its long list of admirers. From a Silicon Valley CEO, among plenty of others, this time, a vlogger from Japan couldn’t help but fall in love with it as well. Kiki Chen, who goes by chromatic charms on Instagram, expressed her appreciation for the creativity that has gone into designing the airport.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport’s (KIA) Terminal 2 (T2) is once again garnering the attention of a global audience, this time with praise from Japanese vlogger Kiri Chen. Chen, popularly known as Chromatic Charms on social media, recently took to Instagram to share T2’s unique design and eco-friendly structure, which has earned the terminal global recognition.
Chen’s video has garnered over 16 million views and showcases features such as T2’s “outdoor retail space, entertainment area and Nicobar Lounge”, which are made entirely of bamboo – a sustainable material that reflects the terminal’s environmental awareness. In his video, he wrote, “I can’t believe I’m at an airport in India,” clearly reflecting his sense of wonder and admiration.
Chen’s praise adds a new dimension to the growing international recognition of Bengaluru’s Terminal 2. Earlier, T2 was ranked as ‘one of the most beautiful airports in the world’ by UNESCO and recently it was awarded the ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023’ by UNESCO’s Prix Versailles. Established in 2015, the Prix Versailles promotes “smart sustainability” and recognises structures that reflect innovation, creativity, local heritage and environmental stewardship.
Watch the video here:
Global Recognition for an Indian Airport
Bengaluru Airport’s T2 is setting new standards in airport design and sustainability. It has four main pillars: technological leadership, terminal in a garden, environmental and ecological preservation, and celebration of Karnataka’s rich heritage and culture. Spread across 2,55,661 square metres, the building has been designed in collaboration with Grant Associates and renowned designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
In his post, Chen praised the unique and beautiful design and called it “India’s best airport terminal”. His post evoked a sense of pride among users. One user commented, “As an Indian I am proud of my country, its infrastructure, history and culture,” while another said, “We should be proud as people from other countries are appreciating us.”
An Airport That Blends Art, Ecology, and Local Culture
Terminal 2 presents a unique amalgamation of nature and modern infrastructure in its structure. Known as the “Terminal in the Garden”, the terminal incorporates greenery and open spaces in the busy airport environment, creating a refreshing and beautiful experience for passengers. The bamboo check-in counters and various sustainable design elements in the terminal reflect an eco-friendly approach and present the cultural heritage of Karnataka in a new way.
With each new recognition, T2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable airport design. Recognition by UNESCO and influential social media personalities like Chen is a mark of pride in India, setting a benchmark for future eco-sensitive infrastructure.
