Bengaluru Airport Sees 6.2 Percent Year-over-Year Growth in Passenger Traffic, Handling 44.47 Million Passengers in FY26

Bengaluru Airport Sees Strong Passenger and Cargo Growth in FY 2025-26

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Bengaluru, India's third-busiest airport, has reported a significant increase in passenger and cargo traffic for the financial year 2025-26. The airport handled 44.47 million passengers and 532,000 metric tonnes of cargo during the period.

International traffic led the growth, rising 23.9 percent to 7.23 million passengers, while domestic traffic grew 3.3 percent to 37.24 million passengers, taking overall passenger traffic up 6.2 percent year-on-year.

The growth in passenger traffic was driven by a surge in international passenger numbers, steady domestic demand, and strengthening cargo operations, reinforcing Bengaluru airport's position as a key global gateway for South India.

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Passenger Traffic Growth Comparison

Transfer traffic also witnessed strong growth, up 22 percent year-on-year and now accounting for around 15.7 percent of total passenger traffic. While domestic transfers remain the most established segment, growing at 3.2 percent, international transfers are expanding at over 50 percent, indicating significant long-term potential.

The airport's continued growth in transfer traffic underscores the strength of its network and the significant opportunity ahead. Through its 'Connections by BLR' service, the airport is embedding a more seamless and reliable transfer experience while enhancing the overall operating framework for its airline partners.

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Bengaluru airport continued to strengthen its global connectivity with the addition of new international destinations such as Hanoi and Riyadh, along with increased frequencies on key routes including London Heathrow, Bangkok, Bahrain, Jeddah, Phuket, Kuwait, Kathmandu, Munich, and Mauritius.

Key Destinations

• Major international destinations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London Heathrow, and Kuala Lumpur
• Top domestic sectors: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune
• New international destinations: Hanoi and Riyadh
• New domestic sectors: Navi Mumbai, Jaisalmer, Bidar, Silchar, and Dimapur

Operational performance scaled in line with traffic growth, with 280,800 air traffic movements recorded during the year, a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase. Average daily movements stood at 769, with a peak of 837 movements in a single day. Passenger traffic also reached a record high, with 139,111 passengers handled in a single day.

The airport's cargo business maintained steady growth, handling 532,000 metric tonnes, up 6 percent year-on-year. This was supported by a strong network of 15 cargo airlines operating across 38 destinations, connecting Bengaluru to key global hubs including Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Demand was driven by agri-perishables, pharma, auto parts, spare parts, electronics, and e-commerce.

Perishables continued to anchor growth, with Bengaluru airport retaining its position as India's leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth consecutive year. The airport handled 60 million rose stems during the year, with volumes up 38 percent and tonnage rising 64 percent. Mango exports grew 12 percent to a five-year high, while coriander volumes increased 13 percent year-on-year.

The commissioning of AISATS BLR Logistics Park further strengthened cargo capacity and processing capabilities.

As demand continues to evolve, the airport will focus on deepening global linkages, expanding capacity, and building a future-ready ecosystem.