37 million passengers used Bengaluru airport in FY ’24, highest in four years

“The past financial year has been a landmark period with the highest passenger and cargo figures ever recorded in the airport’s history. There was also an increase in the number of airlines and destinations. Our position as the number-one airport for processing perishable cargo for the third consecutive year highlights our steadfast commitment to advancing cargo development facilities. With the successful launch of Terminal 2 (T2) and partnerships with leading airlines and cargo operators, we are poised to solidify our position as the gateway to south and central India,” said Satyaki Raghunath, chief operating officer at Bangalore International Airport Limited.

Surge in demand

As the demand for air travel surged, the airport emerged as the south Indian gateway connecting travelers to 108 destinations – 80 domestic and 28 international.

The airport also saw an increase in air traffic movements (ATMs), with 245,880 ATMs recorded during FY ’24. Domestic ATMs saw a 10% growth, while international growth stood at 13% as compared to the previous financial year.

As the demand for air travel surged, the airport emerged as the south Indian gateway connecting travelers to 108 destinations – 80 domestic and 28 international.

On April 29, 2023, at 116,688, the airport recorded the highest number of passengers for FY ’24, marking the busiest day since the airport opened in May 2008. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune were the busiest domestic destinations, while internationally, Dubai, Singapore, Doha, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi were among the top choices for passengers.

New air routes introduced

FY ’24 witnessed the launch of several new airlines and routes, including Air India Express, Alliance Air, and Fly91 on the domestic front, and Manta Air, Maldivian Airlines, and Thai Lion Air, contributing to enhanced international connectivity and accessibility for passengers.

Internationally, new routes to Munich, Dhaalu, Phuket and Denpasar were introduced. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic kicked off BLR-LHR (Bengaluru to London) flights in the last week of March. On the domestic front, the airport now connects to destinations such as Salem, Shivamogga, Aurangabad, Jharsuguda, Ayodhya, Hirasar Rajkot, Nanded and Sindhudurg.

Cargo flown to 33 destinations

When it comes to cargo, the airport recorded a total throughput of 439,524 metric tonnes in FY ’24, a 7.1% increase from the preceding financial year. International tonnage reached 266,186 metric tonnes, a 4% growth over the previous year, while domestic tonnage recorded a 13% rise, totaling 173,338 metric tonnes against the previous year.

In FY ’24, the airport flew cargo to 33 destinations, as compared to 25 destinations the previous year, including top international destinations. The cargo exported  included agricultural perishables, machinery parts, and pharmaceutical products. The top five destinations for exports include Leipzig/Halle, Cologne Bonn, Chicago O’Hare, Dubai, and Singapore Changi.