Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has crossed the 400 million passenger milestone since its launch, marking a strong performance in FY 2025–26 driven by rising international travel and cargo growth
Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has crossed the 400 million passenger milestone since commencing operations, marking a major growth phase supported by rising international travel and strong cargo performance in FY 2025–26, officials said.
The performance was reviewed at the 134th Board Meeting of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), chaired by Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, which examined key operational and infrastructure developments for the year.
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During FY 2025–26, the airport handled 44.47 million passengers, registering steady growth across both domestic and international segments.
International traffic recorded a sharp rise of 23.9% to 7.23 million passengers, while domestic passenger numbers increased by 3.3% to 37.24 million. Overall passenger traffic grew 6.2% year-on-year, reflecting sustained demand and Bengaluru’s expanding connectivity profile.
The airport currently offers non-stop connectivity to more than 78 domestic and 34 international destinations, strengthening its position as a key aviation hub in southern India.
Cargo operations show steady expansion
Cargo operations also maintained strong momentum, with the airport handling 532,000 metric tonnes during the financial year, a 6% increase compared to the previous year.
Growth was supported by 15 cargo airlines operating across 38 destinations, linking Bengaluru to global hubs including Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Demand was driven by pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, electronics, automotive components, spare parts and e-commerce shipments.
Perishable cargo continued to play a major role in overall growth, with Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru retaining its position as India’s leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth consecutive year.
The airport handled around 60 million rose stems during the year, with volumes increasing 38% and tonnage rising 64%. Mango exports grew 12%, while coriander volumes rose 13% year-on-year.
Record operations and global recognition
The airport recorded 280,800 air traffic movements in FY 2025–26, a 4.5% increase year-on-year, with an average of 769 movements per day and a peak of 837 movements in a single day.
Passenger traffic also hit a record daily high of 139,111 passengers, reflecting strong operational capacity.
During the year, the airport received multiple global recognitions, including “Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia” by Skytrax and “Best Airport at Arrivals Globally” at the ACI ASQ Awards.
It also improved its position in the Skytrax World Airport rankings, moving from 48th to 41st place, and received enhanced customer experience and accessibility accreditations from Airports Council International.
Authorities said ongoing and future infrastructure expansion projects were also reviewed during the board meeting, aimed at improving capacity, operational resilience and long-term growth.
Officials noted that the airport’s continued expansion is expected to further strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a major global aviation and logistics hub.
(With PTI inputs)
Published: 16 May 2026, 01:04 pm IST
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