Bengaluru International posts surge in traffic, hails healthy commercial performance

INDIA. Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport posted a +22.5% surge in passenger traffic year-on-year in 2016 to 22.18 million. It also clocked up a record daily high for traffic, of 75,515, during December.

The airport also had an all-time monthly record of 2.15 million passengers in December, the single highest traffic month for any airport in South India last year.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) noted the strong performance of some key commercial categories. It said: “The airport trends show that the traditionally significant retail category of fashion & accessories continues to be in a leadership position. Packaged F&B, consumer electronics, personal care and affordable luxury brands among young travellers witnessed remarkable growth.”

The airport’s Tiffin Center outlet was the best performing in F&B, while Subway clocked up the highest sales of any of the brand’s outlets across India, said BIAL.

Jewellery brand Swarovski recorded its highest sales per square foot in India and women’s fashion retailer Desigual reported higher sales at the airport than at any of its other Indian stores, according to BIAL.

BLR Airport in 2016

The airport also launched several campaigns in 2016 to improve the passenger experience. Initiatives included Playport, the summer celebration for young travellers, and shopping and musical festival Season of Smiles.

Bangalore International Managing Director GV Sanjay Reddy said 2017 will see the airport “focusing strongly on introducing innovative and interactive digital solutions” for its customers, following the launch of its mobile app in 2016.

Work is under way to introduce biometric screening at entry gates for Aadhar card holders, as the airport looks to use technology to add value for its customers.

Development on Terminal 2 will commence in 2017, which when completed will cater for an extra 45 million passengers annually. The existing Terminal 1 is also undergoing expansion with the combined capacity of both terminals set to reach approximately 65 million.

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