The aviation industry observes a commanding resurgence in India as the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), hits a crescendo in its annual passenger traffic and cargo movement during the financial year 2023-24. An all-time high of 37.53 million passengers were reported to have traveled through the airport, alongside a remarkable cargo handling of 439,524 metric tonnes.
KIA’s growth reflects the broader aviation trend witnessing a rise in both domestic and international travel post-pandemic. The statistics delineate that out of the colossal passenger count, 32.86 million were domestic voyagers while the remaining 4.67 million traversed international borders. KIA has successfully broadened its vista by operating flights to a total of 108 destinations, encompassing 80 domestic and 28 international locales.
The airport’s aerial activity soared to new heights with 245,880 air traffic movements (ATMs), witnessing a growth of 10% in domestic ATMs and an even steeper 13% in international ATMs since the last financial year. This incremental stride proudly positions KIA as one of the busiest and most efficient airports in the country. April 29, 2023, marked a singular achievement as 116,688 passengers patronized the airport—recording the busiest day since its inauguration in May 2008.
KIA has been pivotal in connecting prominent Indian cities, with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune as the top five busiest domestic routes. The international skies beamed with frequent flights to key global centers, including Dubai, Singapore, Doha, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi, arguably making it a global hub for travelers and businesses alike.
Further boosting connectivity, the airport saw the launch of several new domestic and international airlines and routes in FY 2023-24. The roster includes the likes of Air India Express, Alliance Air, and Fly91 within India, while the international sector benefited from the addition of Manta Air, Maldivian Airlines, and Thai Lion Air. An assortment of diverse locations such as Munich, Dhaalu, Phuket, and Denpasar are now ticked on KIA’s flight plan, enriching the spectrum for passengers.
Moreover, KIA’s domestic network went through substantial enhancements adding cities like Salem, Shivamogga, Aurangabad, Jharsuguda, Ayodhya, Hirasar Rajkot, Nanded, and Sindhudurg under its impressive connectivity umbrella.
Cargo handling is another domain where KIA made a laudable advancement. The FY 2023-24 reported a cargo throughput of 439,524 metric tonnes, indicating a 7.1% surge from the previous year. Dissecting the figures, international cargo rose by 4%, amounting to 266,186 metric tonnes, whereas the domestic front experienced a robust 13% upsurge, with 173,338 metric tonnes. KIA’s cargo network expanded to 33 destinations compared to the previous year’s 25, mirroring its thriving nature. Exports to destinations such as Leipzig/Halle, Cologne Bonn, Chicago O’Hare, Dubai, and Singapore Changi held the top slots, showcasing the airport’s strong global trade ties.
These landmarks are emblematic of Bengaluru’s sky-ascending trajectory in aviation and cargo sectors, bolstering the region’s economic growth and affirming its position as a significant node in the global transportation grid. KIA’s ongoing success story mirrors the dynamism and potential of India’s aviation landscape, auguring well for future growth and diversified connectivity.
