Passenger traffic tops 9.3 million at Bangalore airport

Bengaluru International Airport today reported that passenger traffic would top 9.3 million in the calendar year 2009, with cargo handled during the 12 months estimated at 1,61,896 tons.

Current 'daily traffic movements' are 280, the airport said in a statement.

Based on the air traffic figures, an upward trend has been reported since July this year. The passenger traffic in the last quarter was 2.45 million, the highest ever at the airport since its opening in May last year.

"Traffic figures are seen on a steady increase with passenger traffic rising from 7,27,186 in January to an estimated 8,67,718 in December 2009," it said.

Cargo also showed an upswing from June this year, in comparison to last year, with an increasing growth rate of 1.8% in June to 20% in December.

These figures show indications of the market improving from the slowdown that prevailed earlier in the year, the airport said.

The airport is looking at the addition of four new routes, three international and one domestic every year. It is also looking at the addition of two new international carriers every year. The focus would be on connecting Bangalore to China, Africa and the US.