Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru handled a massive surge in flower exports this Valentine’s season, shipping nearly 60 million rose stems weighing over 2,700 tonnes to 26 international destinations, officials said on Tuesday. The airport, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), also catered to 47 domestic destinations.
The figures reflect strong year-on-year growth, with stem volumes rising by 38 per cent and total tonnage increasing by 64 per cent. Officials said this performance strengthens Bengaluru Airport’s status as India’s leading hub for perishable exports for the fifth consecutive year.
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Strong domestic growth with new global routes
According to a BIAL statement, international shipments stood at 305 metric tonnes, with Singapore emerging as the top overseas destination. It was followed by Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, New York and Kuwait. This season also saw the addition of new international destinations, including Los Angeles, London Gatwick, Dallas Fort Worth, Toronto and Orlando.
On the domestic front, 2,402 metric tonnes of roses were transported, marking a sharp 79 per cent year-on-year rise in tonnage. Delhi and Kolkata remained the key demand centres, while Guwahati, Mumbai and Jaipur recorded steady volumes.
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BIAL credited its advanced cold chain infrastructure for the seamless movement of perishable cargo. “The state-of-the-art cold chain facilities, equipped with real-time tracking and advanced technology safeguards every shipment, proactively managing temperature fluctuations for seamless storage, handling, and transport,” the statement said.
Notably, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Lucknow saw growth of more than 150 per cent compared to last season.
