Kempegowda International Airport, also known as the Bengaluru International Airport, witnessed a substantial surge in passenger footfall in 2023, reaching 37.2 million, indicating a remarkable 35.3% increase from the previous year, as reported by airport authorities on Friday (January 12).
Out of the total passenger count, 32.7 million were domestic travelers, while 4.5 million were international passengers. The airport achieved a milestone on April 29, 2023, recording the highest single-day passenger traffic of 116,688.
Several factors contributed to this notable growth in 2023, including reduced travel restrictions, improved economic conditions, and heightened demand for both leisure and business travel, according to a statement issued by the airport.
Air traffic movements
On March 17, 2023, the airport experienced its busiest day in terms of air traffic movements (ATMs), with 748 ATMs, defined as the landing or take-off of an aircraft. This represented a significant recovery compared to the highest ATMs recorded in any single day of the preceding calendar year (2022), which was 693.
Domestic ATMs saw a substantial 22% recovery, while international ATMs exhibited a 15% increase, showcasing positive momentum in the aviation sector and a gradual return to pre-pandemic travel patterns.
Noteworthy shifts and additions
In September 2023, the airport shifted its international operations from T1 to T2 terminal. Noteworthy additions to the airport’s offerings included Lufthansa’s thrice-weekly non-stop flights from Bengaluru to Munich in November and the introduction of Maldivian Airlines, operating thrice a week to Male from October onwards.
Additionally, five new domestic routes were introduced, contributing to overall capacity growth. AIX, a result of the merger between Air India Express and Air Asia India, commenced domestic operations from Bengaluru in October.
Top domestic routes from Bengaluru
The top domestic routes from Bengaluru in 2023 included Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The airport served 25 international destinations, with Dubai, Singapore, and Doha emerging as the leading sectors contributing to international traffic.
In terms of cargo, the Bengaluru airport retained its position as India’s foremost hub for handling perishable cargo for the third consecutive year, processing 53,751 metric tonnes in 2023. The total cargo processed during the year reached 422,644 metric tonnes, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous calendar year.