Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has solidified its position as India’s premier hub for perishable cargo, managing 28% of the country’s total perishable air cargo and 44% of South India’s perishable air exports during the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks the fourth consecutive year that KIA has dominated the sector, underscoring its pivotal role in the export of perishable goods, including flowers.
Over the past two years, KIA has experienced significant growth in overall cargo volumes, recording a 10% increase from 1.4 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 1.5 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. This growth trend has continued robustly, with cargo exports surging by an average of 30% from January to May 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.
“Electronics and electrical components have been a substantial part of BIAL’s export profile, with the airport handling over 500 tonnes monthly in FY 24 — a 40% increase over the previous year. This surge in exports is attributed partly to the Red Sea crisis, which has heightened the demand for rapid logistics solutions,” said a spokesperson for Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of KIA. KIA saw an 18% increase in the export of perishables in 2023-24, totalling 63,188 tonnes. This includes a diverse range of products such as 47,041 tonnes of poultry products, 9,355 tonnes of vegetables, 2,438 tonnes of fresh fruits, 2,050 tonnes of floriculture products, and smaller quantities of fresh mangoes and other perishables. To handle this diverse array of exports efficiently, KIA is equipped with the largest cargo processing capacity in south and central India, at 7.1 lakh tonnes per annum.
BIAL plans to expand cargo handling capacity to over 10 lakh tonnes by the early 2030s. “This will include refurbishing existing cargo terminals, expanding the cold-chain facilities, developing a new domestic cargo terminal, and constructing a Grade A logistics park,” the spokesperson added. The strategic expansion plans are aimed at bolstering KIA’s infrastructure to accommodate the increasing volume of cargo, ensuring efficient handling and swift processing. The planned upgrades, particularly the expansion of cold-chain facilities, will enhance KIA’s capability to manage temperature-sensitive perishable goods, crucial for maintaining the quality and shelf-life of these exports.
The airport’s continuous investments in infrastructure and technology have positioned it as a critical logistics hub in the region. By expanding its cargo capacity and upgrading facilities, KIA aims to support India’s burgeoning export sector, providing robust logistics solutions that cater to the diverse needs of exporters.As KIA continues to lead in perishable cargo handling, its role in driving economic growth and supporting the agricultural and manufacturing sectors in India becomes increasingly significant. The airport’s strategic initiatives and forward-thinking approach are set to further strengthen its position as a key player in the global logistics network.
