BLR Airport handles record perishable cargo for 3rd year

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has maintained its position as the leading airport for exporting perishable cargo in India for the third consecutive year. The airport handled a record tonnage of 53,751 tonnes in the financial year 2022-2023, an increase of three percent compared to the previous year when the airport handled 52,366 tonnes of perishable cargo.

"BLR Airport has maintained its dominant position in the export of perishable goods with 27 percent share in total cargo volumes across the Indian air cargo market and 41 percent share within airports in southern India," says an official release.

Among perishable goods, BLR Airport leads in the poultry and floriculture/flowers in India with a nine percent increase compared to the previous year with exports of 39,865 tonnes and 1,877 tonnes, respectively. "Additionally, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits were among the top commodities exported by BLR Cargo. Fresh mangoes, during the same period, witnessed a 10 percent surge in export volume."

Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Maldives, UAE, Kuwait, and the U.K. emerged as the top destinations for international exports in FY23. The volume of perishable goods transported to Maldives and Kuwait rebounded to pre-COVID levels in FY23 and experienced a 50 percent growth compared to the previous year. The export of perishable goods to the United States tripled compared to FY22. Last year, perishable cargo from BLR Airport was connected to more than 60 international destinations. Currently, BLR Cargo connects to 25 international destinations and 75 destinations in India with a total of 13 cargo freighters.

Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, BIAL says: “BLR Airport has played a pivotal role as one of India’s leading air cargo EXIM contributors, through its exceptional volume shares across both Indian and South Indian airports. As India's leading airport for handling perishable cargo for the third consecutive year, we strive to serve as a vital gateway in the facilitation of seamless export operations and enabling businesses to connect with global markets from Bengaluru."

Reeba Abraham, Deputy General Manager & Regional Head, APEDA adds: "We commend BLR Airport for its impressive growth in tonnage and continued success in export operations. BLR Airport's significant contribution to India's overall air cargo movement, along with its leadership in handling perishable cargo, highlights its crucial role in facilitating agricultural and processed food exports. The airport's seamless connectivity to numerous international destinations further strengthens India's position as a major exporter in the global market."