Record 44 million roses shipped by Bengaluru airport this Valentine's season

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An unprecedented demand for fresh roses this Valentine’s season has resulted in the Bengaluru Airport processing 44 million rose stems - weighing 1,649 metric tonnes (MT) - for 22 international and 38 domestic destinations.

“This marks a remarkable 50% year-on-year surge in stem processing, and a 35% increase in tonnage, reaffirming Bengaluru airport’s status as India’s no. 1 airport for perishable exports for the fourth consecutive year,” BIAL said in a statement on February 17.

The demand has been very strong, coming from the middle east and as far as New Zealand.

“With global demand at an all-time high, international rose shipments saw a 51 percent increase in tonnage and an 86 percent rise in stem count. Key destinations included Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Kuwait, Auckland, Amman, Manila, Riyadh, Colombo, and Abu Dhabi. Domestically, 1,344 MT of roses were transported, marking a 32 percent increase, with major shipments heading to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Agartala, and Chandigarh,” BIAL said.

This year, Bengaluru airport has expanded its ‘floral footprint’ by adding new destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Beirut, Tokyo, Bahrain, and Dammam.

“The journey of a rose doesn’t end at harvest—it must reach its destination in perfect bloom, no matter how far it travels. At Bengaluru airport, ensuring freshness, speed, and temperature precision is paramount. The state-of-the-art cool-port facility, equipped with real-time tracking and advanced cold chain technology, safeguards every shipment, proactively managing temperature fluctuations for seamless storage, handling, and transport,” BIAL added.

The airport claimed it has ensured less wastage and quicker dispatch, at a time when the demand has peaked.

“With faster turnaround times, enhanced security, and minimal wastage, Bengaluru airport ensures that every bloom reaches its destination at peak freshness, meeting the soaring Valentine’s Day demand and keeping the spirit of love alive across the globe,” the airport said.