Kempegowda International Airport has recorded a strong performance in FY 2025–26, handling 44.47 million passengers, marking a 6.2% year-on-year growth.
This milestone reinforces Bengaluru’s position as India’s third-busiest airport, behind Delhi and Mumbai, and highlights its growing importance as a global aviation hub.
International Travel Leads the Surge
The biggest driver of this growth has been international traffic. Passenger numbers on global routes surged by 23.9%, reaching 7.23 million travelers.
In contrast, domestic traffic grew at a more moderate pace of 3.3%, touching 37.24 million passengers.
This shift indicates a strong rebound in international travel demand and Bengaluru’s increasing connectivity with global destinations.
Expanding Global Connectivity
The airport continued to strengthen its international network during the year. New routes were launched to Hanoi and Riyadh, while flight frequencies increased to major destinations like London, Bangkok, Munich, and Jeddah.
Among the busiest international routes were Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London Heathrow, and Kuala Lumpur, reflecting strong demand across business and leisure travel sectors.
Domestically, key routes included Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
Rise in Transit and Connecting Traffic
Another notable trend is the growth in transfer passengers. The airport saw a 22% increase in transit traffic, with international transfers rising by over 50%.
This suggests that Bengaluru is evolving into a major transit hub, not just a destination airport. Improved services like seamless connections and better infrastructure are supporting this shift.
Cargo and Infrastructure Boost
Beyond passenger traffic, cargo operations also saw steady growth. The airport handled over 5.3 lakh tonnes of cargo, supported by infrastructure upgrades like the AISATS BLR Logistics Park.
These developments are strengthening Bengaluru’s role as a logistics and export hub, especially for goods like agricultural produce.
Why This Growth Matters
The steady rise in passenger traffic highlights Bengaluru’s expanding role as a global business and innovation center. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the airport has maintained strong growth, driven by international demand and improved connectivity.
With rising passenger numbers and expanding infrastructure, Bengaluru is positioning itself as a key gateway for both domestic and international travel.
