Bengaluru Airport Unveils India's Largest Domestic Cargo Terminal
India's largest domestic cargo facility has been opened at Kempegowda International Airport by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) in association with Menzies Aviation, which is a major addition to the nation's air cargo network.
"This is the biggest Greenfield Domestic Cargo Terminal (DCT) in terms of designed capacity", said an official statement. The terminal, spread over 2,45,000 square feet on 7 acres, has a peak handling capacity of about 360,000 metric tonnes, with an option to go up to 400,000 metric tonnes.
Fitted with 42 truck docks, more than 400 specialized cargo bins, conveyors tuned to X-ray machines, 30 build-up and breakdown stations, and 40 handheld terminals for real-time data capture, the facility is optimized for minimizing turnaround time and streamlining processes. Self-service kiosks also enable increased efficiency for cargo agents.
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, highlighted the terminal’s significance, stating, “This dedicated domestic cargo facility is unique. Domestic air cargo is becoming increasingly vital, and with fewer than 20 domestic freighter aircraft in India, the market holds immense potential. Over the next decade, we expect significant growth, and we aim to meet this demand with world-class infrastructure”.
Anil Kumar, CEO Menzies Aviation Bengaluru Private Limited, explained that the terminal was softly opened in December 2023 and fully operational from February 17, 2024. The current terminal, which serves both domestic and international cargo, will now be solely used for international operations and fully refurbished.
Bengaluru, now the third-largest air cargo market in India after Mumbai and Delhi, is set for major growth with this infrastructure expansion, cementing its role as a prime logistics hub in India.
