Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has announced the annual traffic figures for Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB), which show a healthy cargo growth of 5.4 per cent, year-on-year in 2015 to reach a total volume of 287,198 tonnes last year. Of the total, 115,209 tonnes (up 4.4 per cent y-o-y) was domestic and 171,989 tonnes was international (up 6.1 per cent).

In addition to the existing cold pharma zone operated by cargo partner Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore, BIAL’s other cargo partner AISATS has commenced work on its Perishable Handling Center at KIAB. The new AISATS – a 50:50 joint venture between Air India and Singapore-based ground handler SATS – facility is being built with the aim of boosting exports and enhancing efficient handling of perishable products by creating sufficient storage capacity, minimising wastage and reducing operational costs. A dedicated drug testing lab for pharma shipments testing and clearance will also be part of perishable handling centre, BIAL said.

New international carriers that began services to KIAB during the year include Kuwait Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nepal Airlines, MASkargo and Ethiopian Cargo. On the passenger side, KIAB served over 18 million passengers and recorded a 25.2 per cent growth in overall traffic. KIAB connects 44 airlines to 67 destinations in India and globally.

The construction of the second runway will begin in 2016 and will include the development of a 4,000 x 60 metre new south parallel runway (NSPR) for Code F type of aircrafs, full parallel taxiway, two cross field taxiways connecting the new runway to the existing north runway, T2 apron and enhancement to the existing north runway. The second runway development will involve massive earth balance works and is scheduled to start shortly. This will be followed by the main airfield development which include pavement works, CAT III B airfield lighting, signage, drainage, fuel hydrants and associated works.