BIAL is driving major transformation in air cargo with investments, advanced technology, and sustainability. With a vision to handle 1 MMT of cargo by 2030, BLR Airport is enhancing infra, digitisation, and multimodal connectivity to fortify its role as a global cargo gateway.
How do you envision the evolution of air cargo at BIAL over the next five to 10 years?
BIAL, the operator of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) is all set for growth in air cargo over the next five to 10 years, driven by investments, technology, and sustainability initiatives. The airport aims to become a leading global cargo gateway by supporting domestic and global trade.
BLR Airport recently handled 500,000 MT of cargo with 14 per cent YoY growth and targets 1 million tonnes by 2030. Its 2.4 lakh sqft domestic cargo terminal, India’s largest greenfield facility, features dedicated zones for perishables, pharma, electronics, valuables, and live animals.
Operational efficiency is enhanced through digitisation with the Airport Cargo Community System, IoT-enabled tracking, AI analytics, offering faster, safer, and transparent handling. BLR Airport, which is a leader in perishable exports, is steadily expanding in pharma, express logistics, and e-commerce. Green infra, energy-efficient operations, and collaboration with airlines, forwarders, and regulators reinforce its sustainable and efficient growth.
Which segments are seeing the fastest growth, and how is BIAL adapting to these trends?
The fastest-growing cargo segments include pharma, perishables, e-commerce, and express logistics, reflecting rising demand domestically and globally. To cater to them, BIAL has invested in temperature-controlled storage and cold chain infra to maintain the integrity of sensitive pharma and perishable shipments. High-speed material handling systems and dedicated operational zones have also been opened to ensure efficient processing of e-commerce and express cargo, minimising dwell times and enhancing reliability. Stringent quality and compliance protocols are in place to meet global standards, ensuring all cargo — whether time-sensitive, high-value, or perishables — are handled safely and delivered efficiently.
How are global disruptions, tariff changes, and geopolitical factors affecting planning and cargo ops at BIAL?
Global disruptions, tariff fluctuations, and geopolitical factors have created a dynamic environment for cargo ops. We watch the global trade trends and engage proactively with airlines, forwarders, and regulatory authorities to forecast and manage potential impacts. Flexible slot management, adaptive warehousing strategies, and smooth customs facilitation allow us to maintain operational continuity, minimise delays, and ensure exporters and importers can move their shipments. These measures, combined with data-driven planning and real-time visibility, help navigate uncertainties, while sustaining reliability and service excellence for stakeholders.
Can you elaborate on infra projects or capacity expansions aimed at enhancing cargo throughput?
BIAL has recently commissioned India’s largest greenfield domestic cargo terminal spanning 2.4 lakh sqft, capable of handling up to 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The terminal features material handling systems, temperature-controlled storage, and expanded capacity to manage growing cargo volumes.
The new greenfield ‘BLR Logistics Park’ spanning 370,000 sqft offers Grade-A warehouse space with features such as custom bonded warehouses. The airport also plans to implement automation, scalable warehousing solutions, and seamless integration with express cargo corridors, enhancing throughput and supporting domestic and international trade growth. They are designed to ensure faster TATs, improved efficiency, and the ability to handle complex, time-sensitive shipments, building on BIAL’s milestone of 500,000 tonnes of cargo handled annually, with 14 per cent year-on-year growth.
How does BIAL ensure operational efficiency and safety in handling high-value, time-sensitive, and temperature-controlled shipments?
We ensure operational efficiency and safety through a combination of robust processes, advanced infrastructure, and tech-driven oversight. The airport follows stringent SOPs aligned with global best practices, supported by real-time shipment tracking, 24×7 temperature-controlled zones, and secure storage for high-value cargo. A skilled workforce manages specialised handling of pharma, perishables, and express goods using automated material handling systems and IoT-enabled tools. These measures ensure end-to-end integrity, compliance with international standards, and on-time delivery of even the most time-sensitive shipments.
What role does multimodal connectivity play in optimising cargo movement at BIAL?
We recognise that seamless multimodal linkage is key to driving logistics efficiency and regional competitiveness. We run our road feeder services from our hinterland to aggregate demand from the region with our dedicated RFS product, Logi Connect.
How is BIAL using digital tools, and AI to smoothen streamline cargo processes?
We aim to redefine cargo efficiency through the integration of digital tools, automation, and the Automated Truck Management Facility — India’s first fully automated, paperless truck management system at an airport. Developed with Shell Mobility India, the ATMF processes over 1,600 trucks daily, cutting TAT from four to just one hour.
