Bengaluru and Mumbai: In a testament to resilience and recovery, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) achieved unprecedented milestones in 2023, showcasing the strength of the Indian aviation sector.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport emerged as a beacon of growth, serving a total of 37.2 million passengers in the calendar year 2023. This staggering figure represents a remarkable 35.3% surge compared to the previous year, underscoring the airport’s robust revival after the pandemic-induced challenges.
The airport experienced a momentous single-day peak on April 29, 2023, registering 116,688 passengers—a feat that surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Contributing factors to this surge included eased travel restrictions, economic improvements, and heightened passenger demand, reflecting a positive trajectory for the aviation industry.
Further emphasizing its recovery, the airport witnessed a substantial increase in air traffic movements (ATMs), with March 17, 2023, recording 748 ATMs in a single day. The introduction of new international routes, notably Lufthansa’s Bengaluru-Munich flights and Maldivian Airlines’ services, showcased BLR Airport’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) experienced an exceptional holiday season in December 2023. Reporting its highest-ever monthly traffic, the airport welcomed 4.88 million passengers—a notable 112% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in December 2019. This marked a significant 13% growth from December 2022, signifying a robust comeback for Mumbai’s aviation sector.
The achievements of both BLR Airport and CSMIA in 2023 highlight the resilience and adaptability of the Indian aviation industry, instilling confidence in a promising future despite the challenges faced in recent years.
