India Unveils its Largest Domestic Cargo Terminal at Bengaluru International Airport

Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) The largest greenfield domestic cargo terminal (DCT) in India was inaugurated at the Bengaluru International Airport on Thursday.

Operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has collaborated with Menzies Aviation for this initiative.

BIAL COO Satyaki Raghunath stated, "This domestic cargo terminal is undoubtedly one of the best and largest cargo facilities in Asia. We are optimistic that this facility will stimulate the growth of domestic traffic. In South India, Bengaluru holds over 40 percent of the cargo market share."

"With this new infrastructure and our partnership with Menzies, a leading global cargo terminal operator, we are well-positioned to leverage what we anticipate will be a remarkable decade for Indian aviation and air cargo growth. We are enthusiastic about this new venture, which will continue to strengthen our collaboration," he added.

"Bengaluru International Airport plays a significant role in both passenger and cargo transport. By the end of this decade, we expect to serve between 80 to 90 million passengers and nearly a million tonnes of cargo. Ultimately, we will reach a saturation capacity of around 100 million passengers and one and a half million tonnes of cargo. We rank as the third busiest airport in India in terms of cargo and passenger traffic," the COO remarked, emphasizing Bengaluru's strategic location in the center of the South Indian peninsula, equidistant from numerous destinations.

Menzies Aviation EVP for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Charles Wyley commented, "Our new greenfield domestic cargo terminal at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, represents a significant advancement in our commitment to providing efficient, reliable, and future-ready logistics solutions. With the air cargo market in India expected to reach 5.8 million tonnes by 2029, this facility is designed not only to satisfy current demand but also to adapt to future requirements as the industry grows."

Covering over 7 acres, the DCT boasts a peak handling capacity of around 360,000 metric tonnes, with potential expansion to 400,000 metric tonnes.

This state-of-the-art facility, encompassing 245,000 square feet, signifies a major advancement in Bengaluru Airport’s cargo handling capabilities, providing enhanced infrastructure and streamlined processes to address the increasing needs of the domestic market.

Bengaluru Airport has built a solid reputation as a key hub for perishables. It currently stands as the largest exporter of mangoes, coriander, and various other perishable products. With the establishment of the DCT, its handling capacity is poised for further enhancement.

The new DCT will be equipped to manage perishables effectively. The terminal will also feature dedicated storage areas for specialized cargo, including valuables, sensitive items, live animals, hazardous materials, and radioactive goods, thereby reinforcing its extensive cargo handling capabilities.