Bengaluru-Kempegowda issues new ground handling licence to Menzies

Menzies Aviation has been awarded a 15-year license to provide ground handling services at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), one of India’s fastest‑growing airports for both domestic and international traffic.

The license, awarded by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), is effective from April 1, 2026, with operations expected to commence immediately upon securing required regulatory approvals.

The award builds on Menzies Aviation’s more than 15-year presence at BLR, where it has delivered air cargo services supporting global and domestic carriers.

Under the new license, the company will provide a full suite of ground handling services across Terminals 1 and 2, including passenger, ramp, and baggage operations, enabling airline customers to benefit from integrated ground and cargo services at the airport.

BLR is a key aviation gateway for South Asia and one of India’s busiest airports, handling more than 43 million passengers annually and continuing to see strong growth in both domestic and international traffic.

As part of the agreement, Menzies will launch a local recruitment programme, with approximately 1,000 new employees expected to join the business during the first three years, expanding its existing 1,700‑strong cargo team.

Menzies will also invest more than $9.2 million to modernise and standardise its ground support equipment (GSE) at BLR, including the introduction of electric GSE as part of its long‑term sustainability strategy.

This aligns with BIAL’s own ambitions, reflected across the airport campus, and supports a shared commitment to decarbonisation and operational efficiency.

BIAL’s chief operating officer. Girish Nair, noted: “We are pleased to onboard Menzies Aviation as our ground handling partner, bringing with them a proven global track record and deep operational expertise across some of the world’s largest international airports.

“Safety remains our foremost priority at BIAL, and Menzies’ strong safety culture, robust governance frameworks, and consistent adherence to global best practices align closely with our own standards.

“We are confident this partnership will further strengthen safe, efficient, and seamless ground handling operations at BLR Airport, support our long-term growth and sustainability ambitions, and deliver consistent value to our airline partners and passengers, reinforcing our vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub.”