11 Sep 2025
#2 September 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
BLR Airport Ships 31.5 Lakh Mangoes in Record Export Season
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has concluded its most successful mango season yet, exporting 921 metric tonnes of mangoes—equivalent to 31.5 lakh fruits—to 51 international destinations. This represents a 12% increase in volume and a 21% increase in destination coverage compared to the previous year. Notably, 19 new destinations were added this season.
The mangoes, primarily sourced from Karnataka and neighbouring regions, were shipped through 24 international airlines. Top destinations included Dulles (IAD), Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), and Seattle (SEA).
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, remarked:
“This record-breaking season reflects a joint effort across farmers, regulatory bodies, airlines, and logistics partners. At BLR Airport, we are proud to serve as a vital bridge between local agriculture and global markets. These exports help elevate the livelihoods of Indian farmers while showcasing the rich legacy of Indian mangoes on the international stage.”
New Delhi Named Host for Routes Asia 2027
India has been officially announced as the host of Routes Asia 2027, the leading air service development forum for the Asia-Pacific region. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will organise the event in New Delhi, following a formal announcement on 2nd September 2025.
As India rapidly becomes one of the world’s largest aviation markets—driven by record aircraft orders, rising middle-class demand, and strategic infrastructure investment—Routes Asia 2027 is poised to spotlight India’s emergence as a global aviation hub.
Shri Vipin Kumar, Chairman of AAI, shared:
“Hosting Routes Asia 2027 underscores our ambition to position India as a key driver of regional and global air connectivity. As we progress towards ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India—aviation will play a transformative role. We aim to create inclusive, sustainable growth while showcasing the innovation and vibrancy that define Incredible India.”
Acumen’s Take
On BLR’s Perishable Export Momentum
BLR Airport's standout mango export season highlights its evolving role as a perishables logistics powerhouse in Asia. With modern cold-chain infrastructure and expanding route connectivity, BLR is not just supporting Karnataka’s mango farmers but also positioning itself as a key agri-export gateway. The airport’s success with perishables also opens pathways for diversifying India’s airfreight portfolio beyond pharma and electronics—an increasingly critical factor for balanced cargo growth.
On India Hosting Routes Asia 2027
New Delhi’s selection as the Routes Asia 2027 host reinforces India’s strategic centrality in global aviation planning. The event will not only amplify India’s ongoing aviation reforms but also attract investment into underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions. With proactive government backing and sustained demand, this could serve as a launchpad for route development deals, airline–airport partnerships, and long-term regional connectivity strategies that benefit both domestic and international carriers.
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