Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru crosses 400 million passengers milestone, records strong FY26 growth in traffic and cargo

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport) in Bengaluru has surpassed the 400‑million‑passenger milestone since it opened, while posting robust growth in both passenger and cargo volumes for FY 2025‑26, according to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) as reported by the Chief Ministers’ Office (CMO) on Saturday.

The airport’s performance and key achievements were examined during the 134th Board Meeting of BIAL, presided over by the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka government.

The Board highlighted that BLR Airport crossed the 400‑million‑passenger threshold in April 2026, calling it a landmark in the airport’s expansion and Bengaluru’s rise as a leading aviation, business, innovation and cargo hub for South‑Central India.

The Board commended the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer and the entire BIAL staff for their results during the year, despite global aviation challenges. It also recognised the airport’s ongoing focus on infrastructure upgrades, operational efficiency, passenger satisfaction and compliance with international service standards.

According to BIAL, BLR Airport handled 44.47 million passengers and 532,000 tonnes of cargo in FY 2025‑26, showing steady growth in both passenger and freight segments.

International passenger numbers jumped 23.9 % to 7.23 million, while domestic traffic rose 3.3 % to 37.24 million, giving an overall year‑on‑year increase of 6.2 %.

BIAL noted that the growth reflects Bengaluru’s growing stature as a global business and innovation centre. The airport now provides direct links to over 78 domestic and 34 international destinations.

Airport activity kept pace with passenger growth. During the year the airport logged 280,800 air‑traffic movements—a 4.5 % rise compared with the previous year. The average daily movement was 769 flights, with a peak of 837 movements recorded on the busiest day.

Passenger traffic also hit a new daily record, with 139,111 travellers processed in a single day.

Cargo operations continued their upward trend, with Bengaluru Airport moving 532,000 tonnes of freight—a 6 % increase year‑on‑year. This expansion was backed by 15 cargo carriers serving 38 destinations, linking Bengaluru to global hubs such as Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

BIAL said cargo demand was driven by exports and imports of perishable agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, spare parts, electrical and electronic items, and e‑commerce shipments.

Perishable exports remained a major contributor to cargo growth, with BLR Airport retaining its position as India’s top gateway for perishable cargo for the fifth straight year.

During the year the airport processed nearly 60 million rose stems, with volumes up 38 % and weight up 64 %. Mango shipments rose 12 % to a five‑year high, while coriander exports grew 13 % year‑on‑year.

BLR Airport also earned several national and international accolades for passenger experience, accessibility, sustainability, safety and service quality.

Among the honours, the airport was named the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia by Skytrax for the third consecutive year in 2026. It also received the Best Airport at Arrivals Globally award at the ACI ASQ Awards for the fourth year running.

The airport improved its standing in the Skytrax World Top 100 Airports list, climbing from 48th to 41st place worldwide. It additionally attained Level 5 Customer Experience Accreditation and Level 3 Accessibility Accreditation from Airports Council International.

Furthermore, Bengaluru Airport secured the “Diamond” Award at the ACI Global Safety Recognition Awards 2026 and was listed among the Prestigious Brands of Asia 2026 by BARC Asia and Herald Global. Skytrax also ranked it among the Top 5 airports globally for airport art.

The Board reviewed ongoing and upcoming development projects intended to boost airport capacity, enhance passenger convenience, strengthen operational resilience and support Bengaluru’s long‑term aviation growth.

BIAL stated that with rising passenger numbers, expanding cargo operations, stronger international links and continued infrastructure investment, Bengaluru Airport is well placed to reinforce its status as one of India’s premier aviation hubs.