The Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) recorded its highest-ever cargo tonnage in Financial Year (FY) 2022, despite challenging circumstances due to multiple Covid waves. BLR Airport processed an all-time high tonnage for a fiscal year since Airport Opening Day (AOD) of 411,513
Metric Tonnes (MT) of cargo, recording a growth of 26% as against 326,643MT in FY 2021. International cargo recorded a 31% growth, 271,988MT processed, as compared to 207,518 MT in FY 2021. Domestic cargo grew at 17%, with 139,525MT versus 119,125MT in FY 2021.
Perishable cargo has been one of the major growth drivers for BLR Airport. It is the No.1 airport in the country for handling perishables — estimated to account for 31% of India’s total perishable shipments. The BLR Airport processed 39,518 MT of cargo in October 2021 — the highest ever for a month since AOD. International cargo processed (both imports and exports) was also the highest ever in October 2021, accounting for 25,695 MT. The Airport achieved a significant record by gaining 13% of India’s air cargo market share and 45% of South India’s air cargo market share. With this achievement, BLR Airport has become the only major airport in the country to show growth over pre-pandemic levels.
Passenger traffic continues to recover with over 45% growth in domestic travel and about 136% growth in international travel in FY 2022 as compared to FY 2021. The Bangalore Airport welcomed 16.28 million passengers in FY 2022 versus 10.91 million passengers in FY 2021. Traffic recovery was 54% of FY 2020 levels - domestic recovery was at 55%, while international passenger traffic recovery was at 24%.
“Our focus on driving operational efficiencies coupled with a resilient ecosystem has enabled us to end FY 2022 on a record high both in terms of cargo and passenger volumes. It reflects our commitment to serving the industry and our customers through sustained innovations and technological advancements,” said Hari Marar, MD & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited.