BLR Airport reports highest-ever cargo tonnage in CY2024

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) reported its highest-ever annual cargo tonnage of 496,227 MT, reflecting strong performance in both international and domestic segments during the calendar year 2024 (CY 2024), a 17 percent increase compared to CY 2023.

 International cargo saw a 23 percent growth, totalling 313,981 MT, driven by increased demand for perishables, spare parts, engineering goods, and e-commerce shipments. Domestic cargo volumes increased by 9 percent, reaching 182,246 MT, spurred by seasonal perishable volumes and expanding e-commerce activity. Thus, 63 percent of all cargo handled at BLR Airport in 2024 was international freight.

 Meanwhile, a study published by Trade Data Service by Trade and Transport Group in January 2025 reported that southern Indian airports including Bangalore and Hyderabad showed above-average performance while Delhi and Kolkata underperformed in terms of Indian international air cargo volumes.

The Airport’s highest single-day cargo volume was recorded on July 11, 2024, with 1,884 MT processed. The key commodities driving cargo growth included agri-perishables, ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, machinery parts, accessories, and spare parts. BLR Airport’s cargo network now includes 12 freighter airlines operating on both domestic and international routes, Key export routes included Singapore (SIN), London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Chicago (ORD), and Muscat (MCT), while top import routes included Shenzhen (SZX), Singapore (SIN), Shanghai (PVG), Hong Kong (HKG), and Frankfurt (FRA).

 “BLR Airport retains its pole position as the country's No. 1 airport for perishable exports for the fourth consecutive year. Processed 63,188 MT in FY 2023-24, an 18 percent growth over PY, handling 28 percent of the country's and 44 percent of South India's total perishable air cargo,” reads the release.

BLR Airport processed over 10.8 million rose stems, totalling 411 MT, a growth of 14 percent to previous year. Similarly, mango exports saw a 20 percent increase to 822 MT and coriander domestic movement was at 5200 MT with a 53 percent growth rate. From an air traffic perspective, as of December 31, 2024, BLR Airport serviced 75 domestic and 30 international destinations. The Airport expanded its global network with new airline partners like Virgin Atlantic, Salam Air, Manta Air and Fly91.

The frequency of international flights increased by 21 percent, with an average of 75 ATMs per day in CY 2024, up from 62 ATMs per day in CY 2023. By the end of CY24, Indigo added 46 international weekly departures from BLR, making up one-third of the total 240 additional international weekly departures from India. This is the highest number of additions in India from any station by Indigo in CY24.