KIAL excels in freight and flight operations in FY 2025, does better than last year

Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAL) has achieved significant milestones in both passenger and cargo operations for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).

While the airport crossed the 41 million passenger mark, it also surpassed 500,000 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, underscoring its growing importance as a key aviation gateway for both passengers and cargo in the region.

The airport welcomed 41.88 million passengers, as compared to 37.53 million in the last financial year, reflecting a growth of 11.6 percent.  Domestic passenger traffic witnessed 10 percent growth, reaching 36.05 million, while international passenger numbers surged to 5.83 million, reflecting a 25 percent increase on the previous financial year.

This substantial increase in international passenger numbers is largely driven by Indigo’s expansion of its global network, additional daily frequencies to London Heathrow, along with increased services from several foreign carriers including Cathay Pacific, KLM, Japan Airlines and Qantas. 

KIAL has consistently ranked as India’s third busiest airport for international passengers for the last four months. It now offers non-stop connectivity to 76 domestic and 33 international destinations, with Hanoi set to become the 34th international destination starting early May 2025.

Cargo crosses 500,000-MT milestone

On the cargo front, KIAL achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the 500,000 metric tonnes (MT) mark for the first time, handling a total of 502,480 MT of cargo in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).

This achievement marks a notable 14 percent year-on-year growth, reinforcing the airport’s position as a key logistics hub for both India and global trade.

Cargo growth was driven by a 21 percent rise in international cargo, totalling 321,418 MT, while domestic cargo grew 4 percent, reaching 181,062 MT. 

For the fourth consecutive year, KIAL retains its position as India’s top airport for perishable exports, reinforcing its role in strengthening the country’s agricultural supply chain.

The airport continues to lead in mango and coriander exports, with cargo demand further driven by ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and machinery parts.

With 12 dedicated freighter airlines, KIAL ensures efficient global connectivity, linking major export hubs like Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Muscat, while key imports flow in from Shenzhen, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt.

Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), added, “We are excited about the growth of aviation in Bengaluru and India. We believe that BIAL is very well placed to serve as the preferred gateway to South and Central India, and our investment in expanding airside, landside, and terminal capacity positions us perfectly for growth over the next few years. With an investment of over Rs. 17,000 crore over the next five years, we are well-prepared to support the rising demands of passenger and cargo traffic in the region.