The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) handled 44.47 million passengers and 532,000 metric tonnes of cargo during FY 2025–26.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) which operates the airport said that international traffic led the growth, rising 23.9% to 7.23 million passengers, while domestic traffic grew 3.3% to 37.24 million passengers, taking overall passenger traffic up 6.2% year-on-year. The airport also witnessed strong growth in transfer traffic, up approximately 22% year-on-year and currently accounting for around 15.7% of total passenger traffic.

Long-term potential

BIAL said that while domestic transfers remain the most established segment, growing at approximately 3.2%, international transfers are expanding at over 50% reflecting significant long-term potential.

“The continued growth in transfer traffic underscores the strength of the airport’s 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,” BIAL said.

New destinations

It said that new international destinations such as Hanoi and Riyadh were added alongside increased frequencies across key routes like London Heathrow, Bangkok, Bahrain, Jeddah, Phuket, Kuwait, Kathmandu, Munich and Mauritius.

Key international destinations included Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur, while Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune remained the top domestic sectors.

The domestic network also saw additions such as Navi Mumbai, Jaisalmer, Bidar, Silchar, and Dimapur.

Operational performance scaled in line with traffic growth, with 2,80,800 air traffic movements recorded during the year, a 4.5% 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 1,39,111 passengers handled in a single day.

Leading gateway for perishable exports

The Airport’s cargo business also maintained steady growth, handling 532,000 metric tonnes, up 6% 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 further driven by a mix of agri-perishables, pharma, auto parts, spare parts, electric & electronics, and e-commerce,” the BIAL said.

Perishables continued to anchor this growth, with the 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% and tonnage rising 64%. Mango exports grew 12% to a five-year high, while coriander volumes increased 13% year-on-year.