Bengaluru airport achieves record 40 million passenger traffic in 2024, ranked in ‘large airport’ category

Additionally, the airport recorded a peak of 782 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) on October 17, 2024.

“This growth was complemented by a significant surge in daily air traffic movements and the launch of several new domestic and international routes. Bengaluru airport also reported its highest-ever annual cargo tonnage of 496,227 MT, reflecting strong performance in both international and domestic segments,” said a statement from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA.

“As of December 31, 2024, Bengaluru airport served 75 domestic and 30 international destinations, further solidifying its position as a premier gateway for both passenger and cargo traffic in the region,” it said.

The airport expanded its global network with new airline partners, including Virgin Atlantic, Salam Air, Manta Air, and Fly91. The frequency of international flights increased by 21 percent, with an average of 75 ATMs per day in 2024, up from 62 ATMs per day in 2023.

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By the end of 2024, IndiGo added 46 international weekly departures from Bengaluru, making up one-third of the total 240 additional international weekly departures from India. This is the highest number of additions in India from any station by IndiGo in 2024.

Major airlines operating to and from Bengaluru airport have increased international seat capacity by over 3,700 daily seats between the beginning of the IATA summer 2024 season and the winter 2024 season. This surge is largely driven by IndiGo's expansion of its international network and frequency, along with increased services from several foreign carriers. As a result, Bengaluru airport is now consolidating its position as the third busiest airport in India for international passenger numbers.

The top domestic routes included Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, while the most popular international destinations were Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and London Heathrow.

The year also saw the launch of several new routes, including domestic destinations like Ayodhya, Aizawl, Deoghar, Nanded, Jabalpur, Dibrugarh, and Sindhudurg, as well as international routes to Denpasar, Mauritius, Langkawi, and Dhaalu, Maldives. These route expansions reflect Bengaluru airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and meet growing passenger demand.

Bengaluru airport also experienced significant growth in cargo volumes, processing 496,227 metric tons (MT) of cargo in 2024—a 17 percent increase compared to 2023. International cargo saw a remarkable 23 percent growth, totalling 313,981 MT, driven by increased demand for perishables, spare parts, engineering goods, and e-commerce shipments. Domestic cargo volumes increased by 9 percent, reaching 182,246 MT, spurred by seasonal perishable volumes and expanding e-commerce activity.

The airport’s highest single-day cargo volume was recorded on July 11, 2024, with 1,884 MT processed. Key commodities driving cargo growth included agri-perishables, ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, machinery parts, accessories, and spare parts. BLR Airport’s cargo network now includes 12 freighter airlines operating on both domestic and international routes. Key export routes included Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Muscat, while top import routes included Shenzhen, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt.

Bengaluru airport retains its pole position as the country’s no. 1 airport for Perishable Exports for the fourth consecutive year. It processed 63,188 MT in 2023-24, an 18 percent growth over the previous year, handling 28 percent of the country’s and 44 percent of South India’s total perishable air cargo, the statement said.

Bengaluru airport processed over 10.8 million rose stems, totalling 411 MT, a growth of 14 percent over the previous year. Similarly, mango exports saw a 20 percent increase to 822 MT, and coriander domestic movement reached 5,200 MT, with a 53 percent growth rate, it adds.

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