Passenger and cargo numbers soaring at Kempegowda

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) welcomed 43.82 million passengers last year – 8% more than in 2024.

The total, up from 40.73 million in 2024, included its busiest ever day on November 23 when it handled 137,000 passengers.

Air traffic movements peaked at 837 ATMs on October 19, 2025, while the average daily ATMs for the year stood at 765, reflecting sustained growth in flight activity across the network.

Notably, in October 2025, BLR advanced from third to second place in the number of domestic flights operated among Indian airports.

International connectivity gathered strong momentum during the year, with average daily international departures increasing from 38 in CY2024 to 51 in CY2025, translating into a 28.7% year-on-year growth in international passenger traffic.

Girish Nair, chief operating officer of airport operator, BIAL, said: “CY2025 was a demanding year for India’s aviation sector, marked by volatility alongside recovery, and BLR Airport was no exception.

“What distinguished the year for us was a disciplined and resilient response, maintaining operational stability, supporting our airline partners, and strengthening network connectivity.

“As the year progressed, we responsibly and strategically scaled both passenger and cargo operations, with a clear focus on future readiness.

“This growth reflects not only rising demand but also the trust and confidence airlines and travellers place in BLR Airport as the ‘New Gateway to India’ — a critical hub enabling Bengaluru’s emergence as a leading global city.”

 As of December 31, 2025, BLR was connected to 113 destinations across the globe for passenger services, comprising 79 domestic and 34 international cities.

Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune emerged as the top domestic destinations, while Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur led the international network.

In terms of cargo, BLR handled 520,985 tonnes of cargo in CY2025, registering a 5% year-on-year increase over CY2024.

The airport achieved its highest-ever single-day cargo throughput of 2,207 tonnes on August 7, 2025.

The airport is now connected to 37 cargo destinations through 15 domestic and international cargo airlines.

Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Leipzig emerged as the top export markets, while Shenzhen, Shanghai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Singapore led imports.

Agri-perishables, pharmaceuticals, auto parts and spares, electric and electronic goods and e-commerce shipments were the primary commodities driving growth.

 The Domestic Cargo Terminal developed by Menzies Aviation Bengaluru Private Limited, inaugurated in December 2024, became operational in 2025 and is now India’s largest greenfield domestic cargo terminal by physical infrastructure and capacity.

In April 2025, the AISATS BLR Logistics Park was launched, adding a Grade A warehouse spread across 8.2 acres with a built-up area of 370,000 square feet.