Arun Chandra, Vice President, Aviation Business, BIAL, shares how BLR Airport is transforming India’s air cargo landscape with cutting-edge infrastructure, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships to become a global logistics gateway.
BLR Airport isn’t just moving cargo; it’s moving India forward
BLR Airport has emerged as one of India’s leading air cargo hubs, equipped for time-critical shipments including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce. Its 200,000 sq. ft. dedicated express cargo terminal, housing DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx, handles nearly 150,000 metric tonnes annually, contributing to a total cargo capacity of over 1 million tonnes per year.
Strengthening its capabilities further, the airport also hosts India’s largest domestic cargo terminal, operated by Menzies Aviation, with an initial capacity of 360,000 tonnes, scalable to 400,000 tonnes. Together, these facilities enable BLR Airport to efficiently manage up to 1.07 million tonnes annually with faster turnaround and seamless processing for high-value cargo.
Cool port for hot commodities
BLR Airport is home to India’s first integrated on-airport perishable cargo handling centre, WFS BLR Cool Port. This advanced facility is designed to manage temperature-sensitive cargo with precision, boasting a terminal capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes per year. It serves as a gateway for approximately 41 percent of South India’s perishable cargo and 27 percent of the national share. Top commodities include fruits, vegetables, flowers, and pharmaceuticals, making BLR a vital node in India’s cold chain logistics.
Digital innovation for seamless flow
Efficiency at BLR Airport is powered by smart systems. The Airport Cargo Community System (ACS/CargobyBLR) connects Customs, airlines, freight forwarders, truck operators, and ground handlers on a unified digital platform. This enables real-time data sharing, single-window clearance, and end-to-end visibility, reducing manual errors and cargo dwell times.
Complementing this is the Automated Truck Management Facility (ATMF), which digitises truck movements for faster processing. Inside the terminals, AI-enabled systems, integrated X-ray conveyors, paperless documentation, handheld shipment verification, and real-time tracking tools ensure secure, transparent, and efficient operations.
Strategic partnerships that deliver
BLR Airport’s operational excellence is amplified through partnerships with Menzies Aviation (Bengaluru) Pvt Ltd and WFS (Bengaluru) Pvt Ltd. These collaborations bring specialized expertise to cargo handling, enhancing safety and reliability. Together with dedicated express cargo facilities, these alliances position BLR Airport among Asia’s most advanced cargo gateways.
Recognising the importance of multimodal logistics, BIAL runs dedicated Road Feeder Services (RFS) under its Logi Connect product. These services aggregate cargo demand from the hinterland, enhancing last-mile connectivity and regional competitiveness.
Vision for global leadership
BIAL’s Cargo Master Plan envisions modular expansion to support over 1 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The airport’s strategic location in South India, combined with robust international freighter operations and belly cargo capacity, makes it a natural transshipment hub for South and Southeast Asia.
Sustainability is woven into this growth, with green warehousing, solar-powered terminals, and EV-based airside logistics vehicles leading the charge. By aligning with national initiatives like Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, BIAL is building an ecosystem that supports faster, more reliable trade and strengthens India’s position in global supply chains.
