Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has firmly cemented its status as a vital aviation gateway for South and Central India. The airport saw record growth in both passenger and cargo operations during the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).
The airport’s remarkable performance underscores its growing significance in connecting the region with both domestic and international destinations.
Passenger Traffic Surges Amid International Expansion
BLR Airport welcomed a staggering 41.88 million passengers in FY25. This marked an impressive 11.6% growth compared to the 37.53 million passengers handled in the previous financial year. This robust growth was fueled by strong performances in both domestic and international travel segments.
Domestic passenger traffic experienced a healthy 10% increase, reaching 36.05 million travelers. However, the international segment truly shone, witnessing a substantial 25% surge to 5.83 million passengers.
This significant uptick in international travelers can be largely attributed to strategic expansions by key airlines.
IndiGo‘s growing global network played a crucial role. It was complemented by the introduction of additional daily frequencies to the vital hub of London Heathrow.
Furthermore, several prominent foreign carriers, including Cathay Pacific, KLM, Japan Airlines, and Qantas, increased their services to Bengaluru. This served to further enhance international connectivity.
This impressive growth in international passenger numbers has consistently positioned BLR Airport as India’s third busiest airport for international travelers for the past four months.
The airport now offers convenient non-stop connectivity to 76 domestic and 33 international destinations. This network will expand further with the addition of Hanoi as the 34th international destination in early May 2025.
Cargo Operations Hit Record-Breaking Volumes
The success story at BLR Airport extends beyond passenger traffic, with the cargo division also achieving a significant landmark. For the first time, the airport surpassed the 500,000 metric tonnes (MT) mark in cargo handling. It processed a total of 502,480 MT of cargo in FY25.
This remarkable achievement represents a notable 14% year-on-year growth. It firmly establishes BLR Airport as a premier logistics hub for both Indian and international trade.
The growth in cargo operations was primarily driven by a substantial 21% increase in international cargo. This reached 321,418 MT. Domestic cargo also contributed to this success, registering a 4% growth to reach 181,062 MT.
For the fourth consecutive year, BLR Airport has proudly retained its position as India’s No.1 Airport for perishable exports, underscoring its critical role in strengthening the nation’s agricultural supply chain.
The airport continues to be a leading gateway for the export of mangoes and coriander, with cargo demand further bolstered by significant volumes of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and machinery parts.
BLR Airport’s efficient global connectivity is facilitated by 12 dedicated freighter airlines, linking major export hubs such as Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Muscat.
Simultaneously, key imports flow into Bengaluru from crucial manufacturing and trade centers including Shenzhen, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt.
Investments for Future Growth
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), expressed enthusiasm about the growth trajectory of aviation in Bengaluru and India.
He stated, “We believe that BLR Airport is very well placed to serve as the preferred gateway to South and Central India. Our investment in expanding airside, landside, and terminal capacity positions us perfectly for growth over the next few years.”
Highlighting the airport’s commitment to future development, Raghunath added, “With an investment of over 17,000 crores over the next five years, we are well-prepared to support the rising demands of passenger and cargo traffic in the region.”
This significant investment underscores BLR Airport’s proactive approach to cater to the increasing demands of a dynamic and growing market.
Looking Ahead
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru reflects on a year of remarkable growth and significant achievements. It saw the airport strengthen its position as a leading aviation hub in the region.
BLR Airport looks strategically positioned to sustain its upward trajectory in the years to come.
By prioritizing connectivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, the airport is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in facilitating travel and trade for South and Central India and beyond.
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