Frankfurt and Bangalore airports sign cargo partnership

Frankfurt Airport and Bangalore International Airport have concluded a strategic partnership to strengthen air cargo connectivity between Europe and India. The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 25, establishing a framework to enhance cooperation, improve efficiency and support future cargo growth between the two markets.

The partnership focuses on developing digital solutions and optimising regulatory processes to support trade flows and strengthen supply chain performance. Both airports aim to build a more integrated cargo corridor while meeting the needs of airlines, freight forwarders and shippers operating between India and Europe.

Alexander Laukenmann, Senior Executive Vice President Aviation at Fraport, said: 'The partnership with Bangalore International Airport represents the creation of a robust bridge between two key cargo and economic hubs that will unlock new opportunities for businesses and serve as a major driver for the future of international goods traffic.' In line with the motto ‘Creating the Future of Cargo Together’, we’re focusing on partnership-driven innovation. We want to create optimal conditions for our customers and the entire cargo community. Our partnership is a key pillar of our Frankfurt CargoHub Masterplan and underlines our ambition to actively shape international air cargo traffic.”

Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited, added, "This partnership reflects a strategic shift toward building more integrated and data-led cargo corridors between India and Europe. As BLR Airport continues to invest in cargo infrastructure, technology and capability development, collaborations like this help translate those investments into efficient, scalable trade lanes that support the movement of high-value and time-sensitive cargo. Our focus remains on building a resilient and future-ready ecosystem that can adapt to evolving trade dynamics and regulatory expectations to create long-term value for airlines, freight forwarders and trade partners."

The cooperation will involve sharing expertise and aligning operational practises to improve transparency, efficiency and sustainability across supply chains. The agreement comes at a time when cargo operators are responding to shifting market conditions and evolving regulatory frameworks.

The partnership emerged from a cargo roadshow held in India in April last year, where Fraport engaged with industry stakeholders and explored opportunities in the Indian market. The initiative forms part of Fraport’s broader global growth strategy and reflects its intent to deepen engagement with emerging cargo markets.

India’s growing economic footprint and population of 1.45 billion position it as a key market for international trade. Frankfurt Airport continues to serve as a major European gateway for Indian cargo, and both airports are positioning themselves to support increased trade flows, including those expected from the recently concluded free trade agreement between the European Union and India.