Additionally, the airport achieved its highest-ever annual cargo tonnage in 2024, processing 496,227 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, reflecting strong performance in both international and domestic sectors.
The passenger traffic growth was substantial, with 40.73 million passengers travelling through the airport in 2024, compared to 37.2 million in 2023. The highest number of passengers recorded on a single day was 126,532 on October 20, 2024. Moreover, BIAL reported a peak of 782 Air Traffic Movements on October 17, 2024, with the daily average reaching 723.
BIAL attributed this strong growth to a combination of factors, including an increase in air traffic movements and the launch of multiple new domestic and international routes. For the first time, the airport surpassed the 40 million passenger mark, earning it the designation of a “Large Airport” globally, as per the classification by Airports Council International (ACI), which categorises airports handling over 40 million passengers annually.
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As of December 31, 2024, BLR Airport serviced 75 domestic and 30 international destinations, further reinforcing its position as a leading gateway for passenger and cargo traffic in the region. The airport’s global network expanded with new airline partners, including Virgin Atlantic, Salam Air, Manta Air, and Fly91. Additionally, the frequency of international flights grew by 21%, with an average of 75 per day in 2024, up from 62 per day in 2023.
Major airlines operating at the airport have increased international seat capacity by over 3,700 daily seats between the beginning of the IATA Summer 2024 season and Winter 2024. This surge in capacity is largely driven by IndiGo’s expanded international network and increased frequencies from foreign carriers. Consequently, BLR Airport is now the third busiest airport in India for international passenger traffic.
BIAL also saw a significant increase in cargo volumes, processing 496,227 MT of cargo in 2024, marking a 17% rise compared to the previous year. International cargo volumes grew by 23%, totalling 313,981 MT, driven by heightened demand for perishables, spare parts, engineering goods, and e-commerce shipments. Meanwhile, domestic cargo saw a 9% increase, reaching 182,246 MT, fuelled by seasonal perishable shipments and the growth of e-commerce activity.
