Bengaluru airport records 33 pc growth in mango handling, ships 2.63 million pieces to 38 global destinations

Bengaluru, Aug 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) recorded a 33 per cent year-on-year growth in mango handling between April and July 2026, managing 1,226 metric tonnes of mangoes during the period, the official statement said on Friday.

The airport shipped 2.63 million pieces of mangoes to 38 international destinations, with the United Kingdom and the United States emerging as the top destinations.

Mango shipments were handled through 16 airlines during the four-month period, reflecting sustained international demand for Indian mangoes.

The growth also highlights BLR Airport's role in facilitating the movement of seasonal agricultural produce through an integrated cold-chain network, ensuring efficient and reliable handling of mango consignments for international markets.

The increase in mango exports comes amid growing global demand for Indian varieties, with the airport serving as a key gateway for exporters transporting the fruit to overseas markets.

Meanwhile, in another development, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru will implement a revised User Development Fee (UDF) structure from September 1, following the tariff order issued by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) for the fourth control period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, the spokesperson for the Bengaluru Airport said.

Under the revised structure, the UDF for domestic passengers will be Rs 300 for departing and Rs 125 for arriving passengers. For international passengers, the fee will be Rs 997 for departing and Rs 426 for arriving passengers.

The revised rates will remain applicable until August 2029, after which the tariff will be modified based on the completion of key infrastructure projects, including Terminal 2 Phase-2 and associated airside and landside facilities.

Until September 1, the existing UDF of Rs 550 for departing domestic passengers and Rs 1,500 for departing international passengers will continue.

A key change in the new tariff structure is the introduction of UDF for arriving passengers.

According to BIAL, the operator of BLR Airport, AERA has decided that the UDF should be shared between arriving and departing passengers, in line with the approach adopted at several major and newly commissioned airports in the country.

BIAL said the revised structure does not represent an increase in the overall base UDF.

Under the new structure, the combined domestic UDF for arriving and departing passengers will be Rs 425, compared with the existing Rs 550 charged to a departing domestic passenger.

Similarly, the combined international UDF will be Rs 1,423, compared with the existing Rs 1,500 charged to a departing international passenger.

The tariff order also takes into account major infrastructure investments planned at Bengaluru Airport to expand capacity and cater to future passenger growth.

These projects include Terminal 2 Phase 2, the T2 Phase 2 apron, airfield works, road and landside infrastructure and other related aeronautical projects.

BIAL said incremental tariffs linked to major projects would become applicable only after the respective infrastructure is completed, commissioned and put into use, and after following the process prescribed by AERA.

"As one of India's fastest-growing airports, our focus remains on investing ahead of demand while ensuring that Bengaluru Airport continues to deliver safe, efficient and best-in-class infrastructure and passenger experience," a BIAL spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the airport would continue to operate within the regulatory framework while building the capacity and connectivity required to support Bengaluru and Karnataka's growth.

Source: IANS