Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) recorded a monumental year in FY 2023-2024. The airport has set a new record, achieving its highest annual passenger and cargo traffic figures to date.
A total of 37.53 million passengers traveled through BLR Airport’s terminals, with domestic passengers accounting for 32.86 million and international passengers reaching 4.67 million.
Cargo throughput also saw a significant increase, reaching 439,524 metric tonnes (MT).
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport Limited, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The past financial year has been a landmark period for BLR Airport.”
“We witnessed record-breaking passenger and cargo numbers, and an expansion in airline partnerships and destinations served.”
“We successfully solidified our position as the leading gateway to South and Central India for the third consecutive year when it comes to perishable cargo processing.”
Surge in Travel Demand
Catering to the surge in travel demand, BLR Airport emerged as the premier gateway in South India during FY 2024.
Passengers benefitted from a wider range of travel options with connections to a total of 108 destinations. The breakdown included 80 domestic and 28 international routes.
This period also saw a remarkable increase in air traffic movements (ATMs) with a total of 245,880 ATMs recorded. This reflects a 10% growth in domestic ATMs and a 13% increase in international ATMs compared to the previous year.
Notably, April 29, 2023, marked the busiest day in BLR Airport’s history since its opening in May 2008. It marked a single-day record of 116,688 passengers traveling through the airport.
Airline Presence at Bengaluru BLR
BLR Airport further strengthened its network by welcoming several new airlines. The airport hosted Air India Express, Alliance Air, and Fly91 for domestic travel.
On the international front, Manta Air, Maldivian Airlines, and Thai Lion Air joined the fold of airlines providing overseas travel from BLR.
This expansion provided passengers with enhanced accessibility to new destinations like Munich, Dhaalu, Phuket, Denpasar, Salem, Shivamogga, Aurangabad, Jharsuguda, Ayodhya, Hirasar Rajkot, Nanded, and Sindhudurg.
Cargo on the Rise
BLR Cargo continued its growth trajectory in FY 2024, registering a notable 7.1% increase in total throughput compared to the previous year.
International tonnage reached 266,186 metric tonnes (a 4% rise), while domestic tonnage witnessed a significant 13% growth, reaching 173,338 metric tonnes.
BLR Cargo expanded its operations to 33 destinations – up from 25 in the preceding year. It facilitated exports to key international destinations.
Significant growth was achieved in crucial commodities like agri-perishables, machinery parts, and pharmaceutical products.
The top five export destinations included LEJ (Leipzig/Halle), CGN (Cologne Bonn), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), DXB (Dubai), and SIN (Singapore Changi). Additionally, Oman Air Cargo commenced operations in December 2023.
Significant Infrastructure Developments
May 2023 marked a significant milestone for BLR Airport with the successful completion of India’s most notable brownfield cargo transition.
This transition involved Menzies Aviation (Bengaluru) Private Limited (MABPL) and WFS (Bengaluru) Pvt Ltd (WFSBPL) assuming primary responsibility for managing the cargo terminals.
Furthermore, a new Domestic Cargo Terminal project initiated by MABPL is underway and expected to be operational within the next year.
Bengaluru BLR Airport also partnered with Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) for the development, financing, operation, and maintenance of a new 370,000 sq. ft. greenfield logistics park for a period of 15 years.
This Grade-A warehouse space will feature advanced facilities like cold storage and custom bonded warehouses.
These collaborative efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency, expand cargo handling capacity, and support the continued growth of cargo operations at BLR Airport.
With a vision to achieve a cargo handling capacity of around 1 million metric tonnes per annum by the end of the decade, BLR Airport remains committed to solidifying its position as a premier cargo hub.
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