Friday, January 12, 2024
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) witnessed a remarkable surge in passenger figures during the calendar year 2023. The airport served a total of 37.2 million passengers, indicating a substantial 35.3% increase compared to the figures recorded in CY 2022. Furthermore, BLR Airport sustained its reputation as a reliable hub for handling Perishable (PER) cargo in India for the third consecutive year, underscoring its dedication to seamless cargo operations.
Passenger Milestone:
In 2023, BLR Airport experienced a notable rebound in passenger numbers, hosting a total of 37.2 million travelers. Among them, 32.7 million were domestic passengers, while 4.5 million traveled internationally. On April 29, 2023, the airport achieved the highest daily passenger count for CY2023 at 116,688 passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and highlighting the airport’s resilience and adaptability.
The growth in 2023 can be attributed to factors such as reduced travel restrictions, improved economic conditions, and an increased demand for both leisure and business travel. March 17, 2023, marked the highest number of air traffic movements (ATMs) in a single day, reaching an impressive 748 ATMs. This recovery is significant, considering that the highest ATMs on any single day in CY 2022 was 693. Domestic ATMs showed a substantial 22% recovery, while international ATMs demonstrated a 15% increase, indicating a positive momentum in the aviation sector and a gradual return to pre-pandemic travel patterns.
Connectivity and New Routes:
September 2023 saw BLR Airport smoothly transitioning international operations from T1 to T2, marking a crucial milestone. November witnessed the introduction of Lufthansa’s thrice-weekly non-stop Bengaluru-Munich flights, enhancing connectivity. Additionally, Maldivian Airlines commenced thrice-weekly operations to Male in October 2023. Five new domestic routes were also introduced, contributing to overall capacity growth. AIX, formed by the merger of Air India Express and Air Asia India, commenced domestic operations in October 2023, diversifying the airline portfolio and expanding passenger connectivity. Noteworthy domestic routes in 2023 included Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
BLR Airport served 25 international destinations, with Dubai, Singapore, and Doha being the top contributors to international traffic. The airport’s strategic emphasis on global connectivity continues to position it as a key gateway for travel across South and Central India.
Cargo Growth:
In terms of cargo traffic, BLR Cargo maintained its status as India’s No.1 hub for handling perishable cargo for the third consecutive year, handling 53,751 metric tonnes (MT) in FY 2023. BLR Cargo processed a total of 422,644 MT of cargo in CY 2023, indicating a 2% increase from the previous year. The domestic sector experienced an impressive 11% growth, showcasing BLR’s strengthening position as a rapidly growing cargo hub in India.
Perishables remained a key focus, with coriander exports surging by 67%. Mango exports reached a three-year tonnage record, with a 124% year-on-year growth, exporting 684 MT facilitated by an 86% increase in the number of pieces shipped. This highlights BLR Cargo’s robust cold chain capabilities and dedication to efficient perishable handling.
Strategic Infrastructure Developments:
BLR Cargo’s strategic infrastructure developments in May 2023 welcomed two new Cargo terminal operators: Menzies Aviation Bangalore Pvt Ltd (MABPL) and WFS Bangalore Pvt Ltd (WFSBPL). MABPL provides dedicated facilities for domestic and international cargo processing, while WFSBPL offers specialized cold chain capabilities. These partnerships are expected to enhance efficiency, expand capacity, and sustain cargo growth for the airport in the coming years, aiming to elevate BLR Cargo’s capacities to approximately ~1 million MT by the end of this decade.
July 2023 marked a significant milestone for BLR Cargo, handling the highest monthly domestic tonnage since the airport’s opening, totaling 16,507 MT. Additionally, Oman Airlines commenced freighter operations, further diversifying and strengthening BLR Cargo’s global connectivity.
Looking Ahead:
As we reflect on 2023 as a year of resilience and milestone achievements, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru strives to maintain its position as one of the leading aviation hubs and the preferred gateway to South and Central India. The airport remains committed to continuous growth and excellence.
Tags: Air traffic movements, AIX, aviation sector, BLR Airport, cargo growth, cargo operations, cargo terminal operators, central india, cold chain capabilities, coriander exports, domestic routes, international connectivity, Kempegowda International Airport, lufthansa, maldivian airlines, mango exports, Menzies Aviation Bangalore Pvt Ltd, milestone achievements, new routes, Oman Airlines, passenger growth, perishable cargo, preferred gateway, resilience, south india, Strategic developments, strategic infrastructure, travel patterns, WFS Bangalore Pvt Ltd
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
