Bengaluru airport posts growth in cargo volumes after COVID-19 induced slump

After a prolonged slump due toCOVID-19,cargo volumes at Kempegowda International Airport,Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport) recorded positive growth inSeptember with international freight leading the recovery.

The cargo processed last month was 32,449 MT, a growthof0.3 per cent, against the same period last year, accordingan airport statement on Wednesday.

September 2020 witnessed a 4.5 per cent growth ininternational cargo, of which export freight grew by 7.6 percent.

Meanwhile, domestic cargo is showing a slower recoveryatminus 5.2 per cent, compared to the same period in theprevious year.

Perishable cargo has been one of the major growthdrivers.

The other segments driving growth are readymade garments,engineering goods, pharma and medical supplies.

“The introduction of our road feeder service LOGIConnect to link cities likeTirupur, Coimbatore, Ambur,Salem, Erode, Hyderabad and Chennai further augmented growth,poweringBLRAirports all-India market share of air cargofrom 11 per cent to 14 per cent”, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the airport said it has reconnected 51domestic destinations, achieving 88 per cent connectivity ofthe pre-COVID-19 routes.

In addition, the Centres Vande Bharat Mission and AirBubble programmes have enabled the airport to connect with 22international destinations.

“With the gradual easing of restrictions, Air TrafficMovements have witnessed an encouraging trend, recovering to53 per cent of the previous years flight movements, followingsuccessive measures to unlock Indias economy”, the statementadded.

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