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This is an archive article published on January 9, 2025
Bengaluru airport surpasses 40 million passenger mark in record-breaking 2024, gets listed as ‘large airport’ globally
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru recorded its busiest single day on October 20, 2024, with 1,26,532 passengers passing through
By the end of 2024, Bengaluru airport connected passengers to 75 domestic and 30 international destinations, adding 11 domestic and four international routes during the year. (Express Photo)
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru breached the 40 million-flyer mark for the first time in a single calendar year in 2024. Recording a total of 40.73 million passengers elevated the Bengaluru airport to the category of a ‘Large Airport’ globally, as per the Airport Council International (ACI) classification.
Passenger Traffic and Connectivity
Passenger traffic grew from 37.2 million in 2023 to 40.73 million in 2024, marking a steady increase. The airport recorded its busiest single day on October 20, 2024, with 1,26,532 passengers passing through. Air traffic movements (ATMs) averaged 723 per day, peaking at 782 ATMs on October 17, 2024.
By the end of 2024, Bengaluru airport connected passengers to 75 domestic and 30 international destinations, adding 11 domestic and four international routes during the year. New destinations included Ayodhya, Aizawl, Deoghar, Nanded, and Langkawi. The most frequented domestic routes were Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, while top international destinations included Dubai, Singapore, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and London Heathrow.
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) in a recent press statement said international passenger traffic surged by 21.1 per cent. IndiGo Airlines led the charge, adding 46 weekly international flights from Bengaluru, the highest from any single station in India. New airline partners such as Virgin Atlantic and Manta Air also expanded global connectivity.
Cargo Business Achievements
Bengaluru airport achieved record growth in its cargo operations, processing 4,96,227 metric tonnes (MT) in 2024, a 17 per cent increase from the previous year. International cargo volumes saw a 23 per cent growth, reaching 3,13,981 MT, while domestic cargo grew by 9 per cent. The airport’s busiest day for cargo handling was July 11, 2024, with 1,884 MT processed.
Key exports included agri-perishables, pharmaceuticals, and machinery parts, with major export routes to Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Muscat. The airport also retained its position as India’s leading airport for perishable exports, handling 63,188 MT in Fiscal Year 2023-24, representing 44 per cent of South India’s total.
The airport facilitated unique exports like 10.8 million rose stems, registering a 14 per cent growth, and 822 MT of mangoes, which grew by 20 per cent. Coriander shipments saw a staggering 53 per cent growth, reaching 5,200 MT.
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“BLR (Bengaluru) Airport’s remarkable achievements in 2024 underscore its position as a leading aviation hub and preferred gateway to South and Central India. With a focus on operational excellence, passenger-centric innovations, and further expansion, the airport is poised to continue driving growth in passenger and cargo segments in the years ahead,” said BIAL.
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