Around 439,524 metric tonnes of cargo processed at BLR Airport in FY 2024. The airport continues to be the leading airport for processing perishable cargo in India for the third consecutive year, says Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).
CT Bureau
BLR Cargo recorded a total throughput of 439,524 metric tonnes in FY 2024, reflecting 7.1 per cent increase from the preceding financial year. International tonnage reached 266,186 metric tonnes, indicating a 4 per cent growth over the previous year, while domestic tonnage experienced a 13 per cent rise, totalling 173,338 metric tonnes in comparison to the previous year.
In FY 2024, BLR Cargo continued its growth momentum operating to 33 destinations as compared to 25 destinations in FY 2023. Serving as a vital gateway, BLR Cargo facilitated exports to top global destinations with growth in export commodities such as perishables, machinery parts, and pharma products. The top five destinations for exports include Leipzig/Halle, Cologne Bonn, Chicago O’Hare, Dubai), and Singapore Changi.
“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,” Satyaki Raghunath, COO, Bangalore International Airport Limited, said.
In May 2023, BLR Airport achieved a milestone with the completion of India’s most notable brownfield cargo transition. As part of this transition, the cargo terminals are now mainly managed by Menzies Aviation (Bengaluru) Pvt. Ltd., (MABPL), and WFS (Bengaluru) Pvt. Ltd. Additionally, a new domestic cargo terminal project initiated by MABPL is under progress. It will be operational next year. Furthermore, Air India SATS Airport Services has undertaken the development, financing, operation, and maintenance of a new greenfield logistics park for a period of 15 years. The 370,000 sq. ft., park will feature Grade-A warehouse space with facilities such as cold storage and custom bonded warehouses. These collaborative efforts between BLR Airport and its partners are aimed at boosting operational efficiency, expanding cargo handling capacity, and supporting the growth of cargo operations.
BLR Airport remains committed to expanding its cargo handling capabilities, aiming to achieve a cargo handling capacity of around 1 million metric tonnes per annum by the end of the decade.