BENGALURU: The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) recorded its highest ever passenger traffic as well as cargo growth during the financial year 2023-2024. It catered to a whopping 37.53 million passengers and 4,39,524 metric tonnes of cargo.
An official release said the airport catered to 32.6 million domestic and 4.67 million international passengers during this period. “The airport’s domestic sector recorded a growth of 17% while the international sector recorded a growth of 23%. The overall growth reached 18%,” it said. The highest daily passenger figure since its inception in May 2008 was recorded on April 29, 2023, at 1,16,688.
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of airport operator Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “As we reflect on the past financial year, it’s been a landmark period with the highest passenger and cargo figures ever recorded in our airport’s history. We have also seen an increase in the number of airlines as well as destinations we connect to. "
"Our position as the No.1 airport for processing perishable cargo for the third consecutive year highlights our steadfast commitment to advancing cargo development facilities. With the successful launch of Terminal 2 and partnerships with leading airlines and cargo operators, we are poised to solidify our position as the premier gateway to South and Central India.”
KIA also saw a remarkable increase in air traffic movements (ATMs) of 2,45,880 recorded during FY ‘24.
New routes
FY ‘24 saw the launch of several new airlines and routes, including Air India Express, Alliance Air, and Fly91 on the domestic front and Manta Air, Maldivian Airlines and Thai Lion Air contributing to enhanced international connectivity. Internationally, new routes to Munich, Dhaalu, Phuket and Denpasar have been introduced.
In addition, Virgin Atlantic started daily flights from Bengaluru to London Heathrow in the last week of March 2024. On the domestic front, it has expanded its routes to destinations such as Salem, Shivamogga, Aurangabad, Jharsuguda, Ayodhya, Hirasar Rajkot, Nanded and Sindhudurg.