By Eva Richardson
March 3, 2025 – Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) is set to redefine air cargo operations in India with the announcement of a 245,000-square-foot greenfield domestic cargo terminal. The project, a collaboration between Menzies Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), is designed to increase efficiency, expand capacity, and support India’s growing airfreight sector.
A New Era for Air Cargo in Bengaluru
The terminal will have a maximum handling capacity of 360,000 tonnes per year, significantly boosting Bengaluru’s role as a key logistics hub. With 42 truck docks, the facility will be able to process high volumes of shipments efficiently, reducing wait times and improving supply chain fluidity.
Pratap Reddy, Director of Operations at BIAL, emphasized the importance of the new facility. “Bengaluru is a critical gateway for domestic and international trade. This expansion will ensure we continue to meet the growing demand for efficient air cargo handling while adhering to the highest global standards.”
State-of-the-Art Technology and Sustainability Focus
The new cargo terminal will integrate cutting-edge cargo management technology to improve efficiency. Key features include:
- Eight floor-level weighted scales for accurate cargo weight and volume verification.
- Advanced climate-controlled storage for temperature-sensitive shipments.
- Automated handling systems to reduce manual intervention and streamline processing times.
- Green Building Certification under the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), ensuring environmentally responsible operations.
Strategic Impact on the Indian Logistics Sector
With India’s booming e-commerce and manufacturing industries, air cargo demand is expected to grow exponentially. Bengaluru’s new cargo facility is set to play a pivotal role in addressing this surge.
Mark Davidson, CEO of Global Freight Solutions, shared his perspective with The Logistic News: “India is at a turning point in its logistics evolution. With demand surging across sectors like pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and automotive supply chains, infrastructure investments like this are crucial.”
Bengaluru has already positioned itself as a major air cargo gateway, handling shipments for some of the world’s leading freight forwarders and airlines. This expansion will further solidify its standing as a top logistics hub in Asia.
Future Outlook and Industry Reactions
Industry analysts expect that the new terminal will drive competition among Indian airports to modernize their logistics infrastructure. Glyn Hughes, Director General of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), remarked: “This development highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its cargo capabilities. Investments like these are critical for keeping pace with global trade demands.”
The first phase of the facility is expected to be operational by early 2026, with further expansions planned to accommodate future growth in airfreight demand.
As India’s logistics sector rapidly evolves, Bengaluru’s ambitious cargo expansion will be closely watched by global stakeholders. Stay tuned to The Logistic News for further updates on this transformative project.
