BLR Airport records the highest-ever passenger traffic with 37.5 million travellers in FY ‘24: Cargo growth soars to new heights.
Introduction
In a landmark achievement, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB / BLR Airport) has set new benchmarks in both passenger traffic and cargo operations during the fiscal year 2023-2024. This article delves into the extraordinary accomplishments of BLR Airport, highlighting its unprecedented growth, surge in demand, major expansion endeavours, and remarkable milestones in cargo operations.
“As we reflect on the past financial year, it’s been a landmark period with the highest passenger and cargo figures ever recorded in our airport’s history. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of airlines as well as destinations we connect to. Our position as the No.1 Airport for processing perishable cargo for the third consecutive year highlights our steadfast commitment to advancing cargo development facilities. With the successful launch of Terminal 2 (T2) and partnerships with leading airlines and cargo operators, we are poised to solidify our position as the premier gateway to South and Central India.” said Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport Limited.
Surge in Demand and Enhanced Connectivity
Pre-Eminent Gateway in South India
With the surge in travel demand, BLR Airport solidified its position as the pre-eminent gateway in South India, offering connectivity to a total of 108 destinations, comprising 80 domestic and 28 international routes. This substantial increase in connectivity options significantly enhances travel opportunities for passengers, reinforcing BLR Airport’s stature as a key aviation hub in the region.
Remarkable Increase in Air Traffic Movements
During FY ’24, BLR Airport experienced a noteworthy surge in air traffic movements (ATMs), totalling 245,880 movements. Domestic ATMs witnessed a 10% growth, while international ATMs recorded a 13% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This surge in ATMs reflects the growing demand for air travel and the airport’s ability to efficiently manage increased traffic volume.
Major Expansion Initiatives
Introduction of New Airlines and Routes
FY ’24 witnessed a significant expansion in BLR Airport’s airline and route network, with the introduction of several new airlines and routes. Domestic carriers such as Air India Express, Alliance Air, and Fly91 expanded their operations, offering enhanced connectivity within India. Internationally, new routes to Munich, Dhaalu, Phuket, and Denpasar were introduced, further bolstering BLR Airport’s global reach and accessibility.
Virgin Atlantic’s Daily BLR-LHR Flights
A noteworthy addition to BLR Airport’s international connectivity was the commencement of daily flights by Virgin Atlantic from Bengaluru to London Heathrow (LHR) in March 2024. This strategic move enhances connectivity between Bengaluru and key international destinations, catering to the growing demand for travel between India and the United Kingdom.
Expansion of Domestic Routes
On the domestic front, BLR Airport expanded its route network to include emerging destinations such as Salem, Shivamogga, Aurangabad, Jharsuguda, Ayodhya, Hirasar Rajkot, Nanded, and Sindhudurg. This expansion of domestic routes underscores BLR Airport’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and promoting air travel accessibility within India.
Cargo Growth and Operational Milestones
Notable Increase in Cargo Throughput
In FY ’24, BLR Cargo witnessed a substantial increase in throughput, processing a total of 439,524 metric tonnes of cargo. This represents a notable 7.1% increase from the previous fiscal year, highlighting BLR Airport’s growing importance as a key cargo hub in India.
International and Domestic Tonnage Growth
International cargo tonnage reached 266,186 metric tonnes, demonstrating a 4% growth, while domestic tonnage experienced a robust 13% rise, totalling 173,338 metric tonnes. This growth trajectory underscores BLR Cargo’s pivotal role in facilitating both domestic and international trade, catering to diverse industries and export markets.
Expansion of Cargo Destinations
BLR Cargo expanded its network to 33 destinations in FY ’24, compared to 25 destinations in the previous fiscal year. This expansion enables BLR Airport to serve as a vital gateway for exports to top international destinations, including Leipzig/Halle, Cologne Bonn, Chicago O’Hare, Dubai, and Singapore Changi, fostering trade and economic growth.
Infrastructure Development and Future Outlook
Significant Milestones Achieved
In May 2023, BLR Airport achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of India’s most notable brownfield cargo transition. As part of this transition, cargo terminals are now primarily managed by Menzies Aviation (Bengaluru) Private Limited (MABPL) and WFS (Bengaluru) Pvt Ltd (WFSBPL), ensuring operational efficiency and streamlined cargo handling processes.
Future Expansion Projects
BLR Airport remains committed to expanding its cargo handling capabilities, with the ongoing development of a new Domestic Cargo Terminal project by MABPL. Additionally, Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) is undertaking the development of a new greenfield logistics park, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet the growing demands of the cargo industry.
Vision for Growth
Looking ahead, BLR Airport aims to achieve a cargo handling capacity of around 1 million metric tonnes per annum by the end of the decade, further solidifying its position as a leading cargo hub in India. Collaborative efforts between BLR Airport and its partners underscore a shared vision for continuous growth, innovation, and excellence in cargo operations.
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