BLR Airport rounds up FY 2022 with record growth in cargo volumes
Top International markets for cargo are the US, UK and UAE
The Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) recorded its highest-ever cargo tonnage in the financial year (FY) 2022, despite challenging circumstances due to multiple Covid waves.
BLR Airport processed an all-time high tonnage for a fiscal year since Airport Opening Day (AOD) of 411,513 Metric Tonnes (MT) of cargo, recording a growth of 26% as against 326,643MT in FY 2021. International cargo recorded a 31% growth, 271,988MT processed, as compared to 207,518 MT in FY 2021. Domestic cargo grew at 17%, with 139,525MT versus 119,125MT in FY 2021.
Perishable cargo has been one of the major growth drivers for BLR Airport. It ranks as the number 1 airport in the country for handling perishables — estimated to account for 31% of India's total perishable shipments.
BLR Airport processed 39,518 MT of cargo in October 2021 — the highest ever for a month since AOD. International cargo processed (both imports and exports) was also the highest ever in October 2021, accounting for 25,695 MT. The airport achieved a significant record by gaining 13% of India's air cargo market share and 45% of South India's air cargo market share. With this achievement, BLR Airport has become the only major airport in the country to show growth over pre-pandemic levels.
Air Traffic Movements Showing Growth
Air Traffic Movements (ATM) at BLR Airport witnessed a recovery of 64% in FY 2022 compared to FY 2020. The domestic ATM recovery was at 66% while international recovery was at 51%.
New International Routes
Scheduled international operations commenced effective 27 March 2022, and as a result, airlines have started reinstating their pre-Covid international network from BLR Airport. By Q2 of FY 23, airlines at BLR Airport are expected to serve most of their international pre-covid non-stop destinations.