Bengaluru Airport hits 400 million passengers, logs 6.2% traffic growth in FY26
Synopsis
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport quietly crossed a landmark 400 million cumulative passengers in April 2026 — and the FY26 numbers behind it tell a bigger story. International traffic surged nearly 24 per cent, perishable cargo volumes hit a five-year high, and the airport climbed seven places in the Skytrax global rankings. South India's busiest airport is no longer just a domestic hub; it is fast becoming a serious global aviation player.
Key Takeaways
BLR Airport crossed the 400 million cumulative passenger mark in April 2026 , since its opening.
The airport handled 44.47 million passengers in FY 2025–26 , a year-on-year rise of 6.2 per cent .
International passenger traffic surged 23.9 per cent to 7.23 million ; domestic traffic grew 3.3 per cent to 37.24 million .
Cargo throughput reached 5,32,000 metric tonnes , up 6 per cent year-on-year, with BLR retaining its title as India's top perishable export gateway for the fifth straight year .
The airport climbed from 48th to 41st in the Skytrax World Top 100 Airports list and won Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia for the third consecutive year.
Air traffic movements rose 4.5 per cent to 2,80,800 , with a single-day record of 837 movements .
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport) in Bengaluru crossed the 400 million cumulative passenger milestone in April 2026, while recording strong growth across passenger traffic and cargo operations in FY 2025–26, according to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). The achievement was reviewed at the 134th Board Meeting of BIAL, chaired by the Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka.
Passenger Traffic Milestones
BLR Airport handled 44.47 million passengers during FY 2025–26, a year-on-year rise of 6.2 per cent. International passenger traffic surged 23.9 per cent to 7.23 million passengers, while domestic traffic grew 3.3 per cent to 37.24 million passengers. The airport also set a single-day record, handling 1,39,111 passengers in one day.
The airport currently offers direct connectivity to more than 78 domestic and 34 international destinations. Air traffic movements for the year reached 2,80,800 — up 4.5 per cent year-on-year — with an average of 769 daily movements and a peak of 837 movements in a single day.
Cargo Operations Show Steady Climb
Cargo throughput at Bengaluru Airport reached 5,32,000 metric tonnes in FY26, a six per cent increase over the previous year. The cargo network spans 15 cargo airlines operating across 38 destinations, linking Bengaluru to global hubs including Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Perishable exports remained a standout segment. BLR Airport retained its position as India's leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth consecutive year. The airport handled nearly 60 million rose stems, with volumes up 38 per cent and tonnage rising 64 per cent. Mango exports climbed 12 per cent to a five-year high, while coriander exports rose 13 per cent year-on-year. Cargo demand was driven by agri-perishables, pharmaceuticals, automobile components, electrical and electronic goods, and e-commerce shipments.
International Recognition and Rankings
BLR Airport received multiple national and international accolades during the year. It was named the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia by Skytrax for the third consecutive year in 2026 and won the Best Airport at Arrivals Globally award at the ACI ASQ Awards for the fourth consecutive year.
The airport improved its position in the Skytrax World Top 100 Airports list, climbing from 48th to 41st globally. It also received Level 5 Customer Experience Accreditation and Level 3 Accessibility Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), the Diamond Award at the ACI Global Safety Recognition Awards 2026, and was ranked among the Top 5 airports globally for airport art by Skytrax.
What the Board Said
The BIAL Board appreciated the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, and the entire BIAL team for their performance despite challenges faced by the aviation sector globally. The Board described the 400 million passenger milestone as a significant marker in Bengaluru's emergence as a major aviation, business, innovation, and cargo hub for South and Central India.
BIAL stated that with rising passenger traffic, expanding cargo operations, stronger international connectivity, and continued infrastructure investment, BLR Airport is well positioned to deepen its role as one of India's leading aviation hubs in the years ahead.
Point of View
But the more telling signal is the 23.9 per cent surge in international traffic — nearly four times the domestic growth rate. That asymmetry suggests Bengaluru is winning global routes that older metro airports are not capturing at the same pace. The perishable export dominance — five consecutive years as India's top gateway — points to a cargo model that is quietly becoming a strategic economic asset for Karnataka. The real question is whether terminal and runway capacity can keep pace: with a single-day peak already at 837 movements and a record 1,39,111 passengers in one day, the airport's infrastructure headroom will be tested well before the next milestone.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bengaluru Airport cross 400 million passengers?
Kempegowda International Airport crossed the 400 million cumulative passenger mark in April 2026, as confirmed at the 134th Board Meeting of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). This milestone counts all passengers handled since the airport's opening.
How many passengers did Bengaluru Airport handle in FY 2025–26?
BLR Airport handled 44.47 million passengers in FY 2025–26, reflecting a 6.2 per cent year-on-year increase. International traffic grew 23.9 per cent to 7.23 million, while domestic traffic rose 3.3 per cent to 37.24 million.
What is Bengaluru Airport's global ranking in 2026?
BLR Airport improved its Skytrax World Top 100 Airports ranking from 48th to 41st in 2026. It was also named Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia by Skytrax for the third consecutive year and won Best Airport at Arrivals Globally at the ACI ASQ Awards for the fourth straight year.
How did cargo operations perform at Bengaluru Airport in FY26?
Cargo throughput reached 5,32,000 metric tonnes in FY 2025–26, a six per cent increase year-on-year. BLR Airport retained its position as India's leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth consecutive year, with rose stem volumes up 38 per cent and mango exports at a five-year high.
How many destinations does Bengaluru Airport connect to?
As of FY 2025–26, BLR Airport offers direct connectivity to more than 78 domestic and 34 international destinations. Its cargo network spans 15 cargo airlines operating across 38 destinations, linking Bengaluru to hubs such as Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
