Bengaluru Airport Welcomes 41 Million Passengers in 2024-25
Bengaluru Airport Achieves Record Passenger Milestone in 2024-25
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) has marked a remarkable achievement by handling over 41 million passengers in the 2024-25 financial year. This milestone signifies an impressive 11.6 percent year-on-year growth in passenger traffic, highlighting the airport’s expanding role as a major aviation hub in India. Additionally, BLR processed more than 500,000 metric tonnes of cargo, showcasing significant advancements in both passenger and freight operations.
Bengaluru Airport Passenger Growth in 2024
The surge in passenger numbers at Bengaluru Airport can be attributed to an increase in connecting flights. This strategic hub-and-spoke model has positioned BLR as a vital transfer point for travelers navigating between domestic and international destinations. Its importance in India’s aviation landscape continues to grow.
- International Freight Growth: International shipments climbed by 21 percent, totaling 321,418 metric tonnes.
- Domestic Freight Increase: Domestic cargo operations saw a more modest 4 percent rise, reaching 181,062 metric tonnes.
Rising International Travel at Bengaluru Airport
International passenger traffic experienced outstanding growth, increasing by 25 percent to reach 5.83 million travelers. This surge is largely due to IndiGo’s (6E) expanding global network, as well as increased flight frequencies from international airlines such as Cathay Pacific (CX), KLM (KL), and Qantas (QF). As a result, Bengaluru Airport has solidified its status as a key international hub linking South India to the world.
Domestic Traffic Trends
Domestic travel at BLR also continued its upward trajectory with a 10 percent increase, bringing the total domestic passenger count to 36.05 million for the year. This growth underscores Bengaluru’s role as a central aviation hub serving southern and central India.
Infrastructure Investments to Enhance Capacity
Bengaluru Airport is committed to a substantial investment of over ₹17,000 crore over the next five years aimed at enhancing airside, landside, and terminal capacities. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), stated, “We believe that BLR Airport is well-positioned to serve as the preferred gateway to South and Central India, and our investments will facilitate growth in the coming years.”
Cargo Operations Surge at Bengaluru Airport
Cargo operations at BLR have also seen a remarkable uptick, surpassing 500,000 metric tonnes for the first time, with a total of 502,480 metric tonnes processed during FY 2024-25. This represents a 14 percent year-on-year increase.
- International Cargo: Grew by 21 percent to reach 321,418 metric tonnes.
- Domestic Cargo: Increased by 4 percent, totaling 181,062 metric tonnes.
New Cargo Facilities
To support this growth, the airport recently inaugurated a new domestic cargo terminal with an initial capacity of 345,000 tonnes, expandable to 400,000 tonnes. This facility will enhance the existing cargo infrastructure, which currently handles 210,000 metric tonnes across international and domestic shipments.
Bengaluru Airport remains a leader in specific export categories, particularly mangoes and coriander, while also catering to demand from sectors such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and machinery parts.
Conclusion: Rising International Connectivity Drives Growth
The expansion of international routes has transformed Bengaluru Airport into a pivotal gateway connecting India with major global destinations. With new direct flights to previously unserved international locations, the airport has attracted both business travelers and tourists, contributing to record passenger numbers.
Today, Bengaluru Airport connects over 75 destinations across 30 countries, solidifying its status as South India’s premier international gateway.
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