KIA logs 37.2 million passengers in 2023

Bengaluru: Registering a record 37.2 million passengers in 2023 (January-December), Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) showed 35.3 per cent growth in patronage compared to 2022. It also surpassed pre-pandemic patronage and retained its No. 1 spot. Perishable cargo segment for the third consecutive year.

“Bengaluru Airport enjoyed a significant passenger growth in 2023, welcoming a total of 37.2 million passengers, of which 32.7 million were domestic passengers and 4.5 million traveled to international destinations,” an official release said. The highest number of passengers in a single day – 1,16,688 – was also recorded on April 29, 2023.

Dubai, Singapore and Doha were the top destinations chosen by international travellers, while the top domestic routes were Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. In September 2023, KIA relocated its entire international operations from T1 to T2, a significant milestone. November saw the launch of Lufthansa non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Munich, while October saw the launch of Maldivian Airlines, which provided services to Malé with operations three times a week. Additionally, five new domestic routes were introduced, contributing to the overall capacity increase.

The cargo center processed a total of 4,22,644 tonnes of cargo during 2023, showing a growth of 2 per cent over the previous year. The domestic sector led with an impressive growth of 11 percent. “With 67 per cent growth in coriander exports, the main focus remains on perishable commodities. Mango exports hit a three-year tonnage record, achieving 124 percent year-on-year growth – 684 tons of mangoes were exported, leading to an 86 percent increase in the number of pieces shipped.

July 2023 also marked an important milestone as the cargo section handled the highest monthly domestic tonnage since the opening of the airport, totaling 16,507 tonnes.