News / New BIAL air cargo terminal a boost for India's perishables trade

UK ground handler Menzies Aviation has cemented its airfreight logistics operations in India with a new cargo terminal at Bengaluru Airport (BIAL), touted as the largest in the country.

The joint-venture project complements a 15-year management licence Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) won in 2023 for the operation of BIAL’s first cargo terminal.

Capacity had been under pressure at BIAL due to booming air freight demand, driven in large part by perishables and ecommerce shipments.

“The new 245,000 sq ft facility has the potential to become a major growth engine for India’s bullish air cargo industry,” Satyaki Raghunath, COO of BIAL, told The Loadstar.

BIAL is the busiest perishables handler in India, accounting for nearly half of the southern India market for that trade.

“This state-of-the-art facility signifies a major milestone in Bengaluru Airport’s cargo handling capabilities, offering enhanced infrastructure and streamlined processes to meet the growing demands of the domestic market,” said BIAL. “It will play a key role in connecting industries, strengthening supply chains, and driving innovation toward a more sustainable future for domestic cargo and regional trade, positioning the airport as a leader in cargo handling.”

The facility offers a peak capacity of 360,000 tonnes, with potential to scale this up to 400,000, annually.  It features the most advanced equipment and digital solutions for seamless cargo flows and industry-best turn-times for trucks, officials claimed.

“By integrating eco-friendly practices with cutting-edge technology, we have created a facility that addresses the growing demand for domestic cargo, but also sets benchmarks for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility,” Mr Raghunath said.

Menzies believes the BIAL project, a first for the company in India, will add fresh capacity momentum for India’s booming air cargo trade.

Charles Wyley, Menzies’ EVP for the Middle East/Africa/Asia, said: “With the rapid growth in air cargo in India – which is set to reach 5.8m tonnes by 2029, this facility is designed to not only meet today’s demand but to scale for future needs as the industry continues to evolve,” Mr Wyley added.

And cargo community system industry leader Kale Logistics Solutions, which already has a service contract with BIAL, is also betting on the handler’s cargo potential, as multiple cargo verticals grow in that southern region.

Reflecting its strong cold chain footprint, Bengaluru also saw a 50% year-on-year surge in Valentine’s Day flower shipments this year, having processed some 44 million rose stems for 22 international and 38 domestic destinations.

Meanwhile, Menzies has reported another India-linked win, a three-year ground handling and cargo service contract with Air India for eight major international locations. The firm said: “This latest win underscores the progress we are making on our ambitious growth plans.”