Last Updated:
Beyond agri cargo, Bengaluru Airport closed FY 2024–25 having served over 41.88 million passengers, making it the first airport in South India to cross that milestone
During this six-month period, BLR Airport handled 5,904 metric tonnes of coriander, marking a 13% year-on-year increase.
Bengaluru has strengthened its position as a major distribution and consolidation centre for perishable agricultural produce, with Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) reporting a significant increase in coriander cargo during the June–November 2025 season.
During this six-month period, BLR Airport handled 5,904 metric tonnes of coriander, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. The growth reflects broader changes in domestic agri trade, where faster distribution, reliable cold-chain handling, and wider air connectivity are becoming increasingly important for farmers, traders, and wholesale markets across the country.
Coriander shipments moved from Bengaluru to 22 domestic destinations over the season, indicating sustained demand and evolving trade routes. Northern and Central Indian markets, in particular, showed increased offtake. Cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi, and Jaipur recorded noticeable rises in incoming volumes, suggesting a shift in sourcing patterns and consumption preferences in these regions.
From a destination-wise perspective, Kolkata emerged as the single largest recipient of coriander shipments from Bengaluru. It was followed by Delhi, Bagdogra, Ranchi, and Patna. The concentration of volumes toward Eastern and Northern cities highlights the role of air cargo in bridging long distances quickly, especially for perishables with short shelf lives. These patterns also underline Bengaluru’s growing importance as a consolidation point, where produce from surrounding agricultural belts can be aggregated and redistributed efficiently.
The 2025 season also saw an expansion in the number of destinations served. Coriander cargo was routed to five additional cities Agartala, Agra, Nagpur, Amritsar, and Port Blair. This expansion reflects the opening up of new domestic corridors and the increasing viability of air transport for agri produce beyond traditional metro-to-metro routes. For traders and logistics players, this broader network offers greater flexibility and access to emerging consumption centres.
Overall agri-cargo movement during the season points to changing demand patterns rather than a one-off spike. As urban markets diversify and regional consumption grows, airports with strong domestic connectivity are playing a larger role in agricultural distribution. Bengaluru’s geographical location, combined with its air network, has helped it adapt to these shifts.
Beyond agri cargo, Kempegowda International Airport has continued to post growth across passenger and cargo operations. The airport closed FY 2024–25 having served over 41.88 million passengers, making it the first airport in South India to cross that milestone. It also crossed 350 million cumulative passengers in February 2025, since commencing operations.
On the cargo front, the airport has retained its position as India’s leading hub for perishable cargo processing for the fourth consecutive year. This status is supported by infrastructure investments, operational scale, and private-sector participation through its operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited. With domestic agricultural trade becoming more time-sensitive and network-driven, such hubs are likely to play an even more central role in the years ahead.
January 01, 2026, 12:57 IST
Stay Ahead, Read Faster
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.
