Several key stretches witnessed waterlogging following the downpour, leading to slow-moving traffic during peak evening hours.
Accordign to BIAL, the new route is designed to meet strong demand from business travellers, the technology sector, premium leisure customers and the growing Indian diaspora across Europe and beyond.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Direct flight services from Bengaluru to Zurich, operating five times a week, will become operational from October 2026.The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) which operates the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) said that Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will launch the new non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich offering customers seamless access between southern India and Zurich, with onward connections across Europe and North America through the Lufthansa Group network.It added that the new route is designed to meet strong demand from business travellers, the technology sector, premium leisure customers and the growing Indian diaspora across Europe and beyond.Third Lufthansa Group gateway“India remains a strategically important market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are delighted to welcome Swiss International Air Lines to Bengaluru – one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs. As our third Lufthansa Group gateway from the city, alongside Frankfurt and Munich, this new SWISS service significantly enhances connectivity for travellers from southern India. Customers can now enjoy a truly premium Swiss travel experience – including First Class on every flight – combined with seamless access to Europe and North America via our Zurich hub,” Kevin Markette, Lufthansa Group Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia said.Customers travelling on this new route will enjoy SWISS’s onboard service across First, Business and Economy Class, including premium lounges, high-quality Swiss cuisine and effortless onward connections through Zurich Airport.“The introduction of SWISS’ direct BLR–ZRH service is a strong validation of the market maturity and long-term potential that Bengaluru continues to demonstrate. This non-stop link meets surging corporate and leisure demand, connecting India’s Silicon Valley with a premier global financial capital. Supported by KIA’s domestic network spanning 78 destinations, the new service will also enable efficient single-ticket transfers for passengers across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India,” Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL said.Bookings from May 19Tickets for the new Zurich–Bengaluru route are available for sale beginning May 19 through swiss.com and via travel agency partners.At present, Bengaluru is connected to five European cities: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Munich with flights operated by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Lufthansa. Published - May 19, 2026 03:17 pm IST
Several key stretches witnessed waterlogging following the downpour, leading to slow-moving traffic during peak evening hours.
| Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain
Heavy rains that lashed Bengaluru on Monday evening (May 18, 2026) led to 21 trees being uprooted and 46 branches falling across the city, while several areas reported waterlogging that slowed traffic movement.As of 7:30 p.m., nine fallen trees and six branches were cleared, with 12 trees and 40 branches yet to be cleared, according to data from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Several key stretches witnessed waterlogging following the downpour, leading to slow-moving traffic during peak evening hours. The affected areas included Jayamahal Main Road, the stretch from Manyata Tech Park towards Outer Ring Road, near K.R. Puram Metro station, Dommasandra towards Muthanallur Cross, Balagere, Airport Road, and from Gunjur towards Varthur. Traffic congestion was also reported on GRT Junction towards Hosakote, Vaddarahalli towards Geddalahalli, Cauvery Junction towards Palace Cross, Udaya TV underpass towards Jayamahal Road, Kalyan Nagar towards Uttam Sagar Junction, Hennur Cross towards Vaddarapalya, due to water accumulation. The rain, which began around 4 p.m., lasted for about 45 minutes. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) observation data recorded at 5.30 p.m., Bengaluru city received 24.2 mm, HAL Airport received 0.6 mm, and the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) received 4.7 mm of rainfall. As per data recorded by the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority’s Automatic Weather Station, GKVK received 40mm and Bengaluru received 23.5 mm rainfall till 5.30 p.m.Many airlines also issued travel advisory stating that the flight scheduled could be impacted due to the rain. IndiGo issued an advisory stating that bad weather over Bengaluru has impacted flight schedules. “We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” it said. Akasa Air also said that due to severe weather conditions in Bengaluru certain flights across its network have been impacted. KIA officials said that one Air India Express flight was diverted to Chennai due to bad weather.The maximum temperature at Bengaluru city was 34℃, at HAL Airport and KIA, the maximum temperature was 34.4℃ and 35℃ respectively.The forecast for the next 36 hours for Bengaluru and the neighbourhood states that there will be a partly cloudy, becoming generally cloudy sky towards afternoon.“Light to moderate rain/thundershowers likely. Maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely to be around 33 degrees celcius and 22 degrees celcius respectively,” IMD said. Published - May 18, 2026 10:49 pm IST
Bengaluru: Rains again throws normal life out of gear The Hindu
Vijayawada reels under monsoon mayhem: 2 dead, 1 feared missing; rivers swell and streets go under water The Times of India
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