Can BLR Airport Hit 400 Million Cumulative Passengers by Mid-2026?

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), is targeting a major milestone. The airport aims to surpass 400 million cumulative passengers by the middle of 2026, according to the airport’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This goal reflects a structural shift in the market. It signals growth that goes well beyond a simple post-pandemic rebound.

Sustained BLR Airport Passenger Growth

BLR Airport is India's third-busiest airport, after Delhi and Mumbai. It has shown remarkable growth in recent years. In the 2024 calendar year, the airport welcomed over 40.73 million passengers. This figure was up from 37.2 million passengers in 2023.

By the end of the 2025 calendar year, Bengaluru airport traffic increased by 8% year-on-year to 43.82 million passengers. The airport operator, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), attributes this to rising demand. It also points to expanding international connectivity and ongoing infrastructure investments.

International Connectivity Expansion

International traffic is a key driver of this growth. International passenger numbers surged by 25% in the fiscal year 2024-2025. This rise was supported by new routes and increased frequencies from various carriers.

• International departures rose by 28.7% in 2025.
• The airport connects to 34 international cities.
• Airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express have expanded their global networks from Bengaluru.

This international connectivity expansion is positioning BLR Airport as a critical India aviation hub. The airport is seen as the "New Gateway to India".

Strategic Capacity and Cargo

The ambitious 400 million cumulative passengers target relies heavily on capacity. The opening of Terminal 2 (T2) in early 2023 was a major step. This expansion was part of the BIAL growth strategy to accommodate future traffic.

BIAL continues to focus on scaling up capacity across all operations. This includes both passenger and cargo traffic compounded growth. The airport is also a key logistics hub for trade.

Cargo operations also reached a new milestone. The airport handled over 500,000 metric tonnes of cargo in the fiscal year 2024-2025. This represented a 14% year-on-year growth. The growth reinforces the airport's role in global supply chains.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the strong growth, operational challenges remain. For example, flight cancellations by a major carrier impacted passenger numbers in late 2025. The airport must continue to manage operational stability.

The Kempegowda International Airport is focused on future readiness. Its strategic investments are designed to support the long-term growth of Bengaluru. This goal aims to solidify the city's place as a global aviation and business hub. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversees the regulatory environment for this expansion.

• The airport is an operating base for major Indian carriers like IndiGo and Akasa Air.
• It is also a hub for cargo carriers like DHL Aviation and FedEx Express.
• The airport continues to strengthen global connectivity and airline partnerships.

Get breaking commercial aviation news and expert airline analysis at flying.flights. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at flying.flights/safety.