BLR Airport handles 422,644-tonne cargo in CY2023, a 2% YoY increase
Perishables continued to be a key focus at BLR, with coriander exports surging by 67 percent. The export of mangoes reached a three-year tonnage record, achieving a 124 percent year-on-year growth.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) processed a total of 422,644 MT of cargo during CY 2023, indicating a 2% increase from previous year.
“In terms of cargo traffic, BLR Cargo continues to be India's No.1 hub for handling perishable cargo for the third consecutive year with a tonnage of 53,751 metric tonnes (MT) in FY 2023. The domestic sector soared with an impressive 11 percent growth,” reads the release.
Perishables continued to be a key focus at BLR, with coriander exports surging by 67 percent. The export of mangoes reached a three-year tonnage record, achieving a 124 percent year-on-year growth. 684 MT of mangoes were exported, facilitated by an 86 percent increase in the number of pieces shipped. This accomplishment highlights BLR Cargo’s robust cold chain capabilities and dedication to efficient perishable handling.
July 2023 also marked a significant milestone for BLR Cargo, handling the highest monthly domestic tonnage since the Airport's opening, totalling 16,507 MT. Additionally, Oman Airlines commenced freighter operations last year, further diversifying and strengthening BLR Cargo's global connectivity.
BLR Cargo’s strategic infrastructure developments in May 2023 welcomed two new Cargo terminal operators: Menzies Aviation Bangalore (MABPL) and WFS Bangalore (WFSBPL). MABPL provides dedicated facilities for domestic cargo and international cargo processing, while WFSBPL offers specialised cold chain capabilities in addition to international cargo processing. These partnerships are anticipated to enhance efficiency, expand capacity, and sustain cargo growth for the Airport in the coming years. The developments aim to elevate BLR Cargo's cargo capacities to approximately ~1 million MT by the end of this decade.
The Airport served a total of 37.2 million passengers, marking a 35.3% increase compared to CY 2022. Additionally, BLR Airport continues to maintain its standing as a reliable hub for handling Perishable (PER) cargo in India for the third consecutive year, emphasising its commitment to seamless cargo operations.
In September 2023, BLR Airport seamlessly transitioned international operations from T1 to T2, marking a crucial milestone. November witnessed the launch of Lufthansa's thrice weekly non-stop Bengaluru-Munich flights, providing enhanced connectivity for travellers. October 2023 marked the introduction of Maldivian Airlines, catering to Male with thrice-weekly operations. Furthermore, five new domestic routes were introduced, contributing to the overall capacity growth. AIX (created by the merger of Air India Express and Air Asia India) commenced domestic operations in October 2023, further diversifying the airline portfolio and expanding connectivity for passengers. Top domestic routes in the calendar year 2023 included Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
BLR Airport served 25 international destinations last year, with Dubai, Singapore, and Doha emerging as the top sectors contributing to the international traffic. The airport's strategic focus on global connectivity continues to position it as a key gateway for travel across South and Central India.
