Bengaluru overtakes Mumbai as India’s 2nd largest domestic cargo hub

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has overtaken Mumbai to become India’s second-largest domestic cargo hub, with BLR Cargo handling 19,268 tonnes of domestic cargo in July 2026, according to AAI Annexure IV-B data. Mumbai handled 18,311 tonnes during the month, leaving Bengaluru 957 tonnes ahead.

The shift was supported by a 9.8% year-on-year increase in Bengaluru’s domestic cargo volumes, while Mumbai recorded an 8.2% decline. The latest figures place BLR Cargo behind only the country’s largest domestic cargo hub.

The July performance comes as BLR Cargo continues to report strong growth across its wider cargo operations. It handled approximately 147,000 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter of FY2026-27, covering April to June 2026, marking 15% year-on-year growth. This was higher than the 12% growth recorded by the national industry during the same period.

The airport said the growth in the first quarter was supported by export demand across key commodities, increased international connectivity, expanded freighter capacity and rising cargo consolidation from the South India catchment.

The momentum continued in July, when BLR Cargo recorded its highest-ever monthly cargo volume of 55,037 tonnes. The airport said the growth reflects the increasing trade activity in the region and demand from global markets.

The latest domestic cargo figures add another dimension to this growth, with Bengaluru now handling more domestic cargo than Mumbai in the month.

BLR Cargo’s growth has also been supported by its wider international cargo network. In FY2025-26, Kempegowda International Airport handled 532,000 tonnes of cargo, up 6% year on year. Cargo operations during the year were supported by 15 cargo airlines serving 38 destinations, with demand coming from agri-perishables, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, spare parts, electronics and e-commerce shipments.

Perishables remain an important part of Bengaluru’s cargo business. In FY2025-26, the airport continued as India’s leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth consecutive year. It handled around 60 million rose stems during the year, with rose volumes increasing 38% and tonnage rising 64%. Mango exports increased 12% to a five-year high, while coriander volumes grew 13% year on year.

The airport has continued to see strong mango export activity in the current season. BLR Cargo facilitated the export of 1,226 tonnes of mangoes to 38 destinations worldwide, representing 33% growth over the previous year. The shipments were handled through 16 airline partners.

Temperature-controlled infrastructure has supported these shipments. WFS BLR Coolport provides specialised cold-chain facilities with dedicated temperature zones of 2°C to 8°C, -15°C to -25°C and 15°C to 25°C for temperature-sensitive cargo.

The airport’s cargo infrastructure has also expanded to support the growth. The commissioning of the AISATS BLR Logistics Park strengthened cargo capacity and processing capabilities at the airport in FY2025-26.

BLR Cargo is the integrated cargo ecosystem of BLR Airport and said it remains focused on strengthening infrastructure, expanding connectivity and improving operational performance as cargo volumes increase.

The rise in domestic cargo volumes, combined with continued growth in international cargo, export activity and perishables, marks a significant change in Bengaluru’s position in India’s cargo market. The July figures show the airport moving ahead of Mumbai in domestic cargo while its overall cargo business continues to expand.