• Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) recorded a record 921 tonnes of mango exports in FY 2025—a 12% increase from the previous year—reaching 51 global destinations via 24 airlines.
• Mangoes highlight India’s perishable air cargo segment, which accounts for 17% of total air freight tonnage, requiring temperature-controlled handling, time-sensitive delivery, and strict compliance with import standards.
• The US is the top market, with long-haul exports relying heavily on passenger aircraft bellyhold capacity, while BLR’s integrated perishable handling centre meets USDA and EU standards, reducing spoilage and ensuring rapid customs clearance.
• Agricultural exports like mangoes contribute significantly to rural incomes and India’s trade, with fresh fruit exports exceeding USD 800 million in 2024

India’s perishable export sector is entering a defining phase, with Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) reporting a record-breaking mango season in FY 2025. The airport handled 921 metric tonnes—a 12 percent increase from last year—equivalent to 3.15 million fruits. Beyond harvest milestones, this reflects the evolution of India’s air cargo ecosystem, where high-value perishables shape trade flows, infrastructure priorities, and policy alignment.

BLR’s mango exports reached 51 global destinations, a 21 percent network expansion, carried by 24 airlines. This highlights the importance of bellyhold capacity in long-haul passenger aircraft. The airport now leads India’s perishable cargo segment for the fourth consecutive year, accounting for roughly 20 percent of all perishable air exports, according to IATA.

Astrategic cargo vertical

India’s outbound air cargo mix is anchored in pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and perishables. WorldACD data for 2024 shows perishables made up 17 percent of India’s air freight tonnage, with fresh fruits and vegetables forming nearly half. Mangoes, often called the “king of fruits,” are a proxy for cold chain logistics efficiency and reliability.

The segment’s relevance lies in its operational demands: temperature-sensitive handling, time-critical delivery, and compliance with strict import protocols. These priorities align with broader trade policy objectives, including the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which emphasises streamlined customs for perishables.

A Global Reach Anchored in the US Market

BLR’s top five destinations—Washington Dulles, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Francisco, Chicago O’Hare, and Seattle—reflect strong US demand, despite rigorous USDA phytosanitary standards. Long-haul mango exports rely heavily on passenger aircraft bellyhold capacity; ICAO data indicates 65 percent of India–US perishable volumes travel this way, with the remainder on dedicated freighters. Post-pandemic recovery of South India’s direct and one-stop services to North America has been crucial in meeting rising demand.

A competitive advantage

BLR’s integrated perishable handling centre meets EU Good Distribution Practice and USDA inspection standards, controlling temperature from acceptance to aircraft loading. This reduces the 20–30 percent global loss rate in perishables, as estimated by IATA. Customs and Plant Quarantine clearances are typically completed within two hours of arrival, critical for premium markets that value just-harvested produce.

Agricultural exports are a major contributor to India’s trade. World Bank data shows fresh fruit exports exceeded USD 800 million in 2024, with mangoes contributing over USD 60 million. Karnataka and neighbouring states form a key mango belt, meaning air cargo connectivity directly affects rural incomes and agri-business profitability.

Satyaki Raghunath, COO at Bangalore International Airport Ltd, noted: “The success of this mango season speaks to the collaborative efforts of regulatory bodies, airlines, cargo handlers, trade councils, and farming communities.”

Policy takeaways 

The 2025 mango season highlights three lessons:

Seasonal Capacity Management – The April–July season is compressed. Maintaining space for perishables without displacing other high-yield cargo requires flexible slots and close airline–airport coordination.

Integrated Perishable Corridors – Multi-modal cold chain links from rural sourcing hubs to airports ensure consistent quality and transit times. Public–private partnerships can expand these corridors.

Market Diversification – While the US dominates, diversifying to markets like Japan and South Korea mitigates geopolitical and tariff risks. Indian mango exports to these markets have grown double-digit annually over the past three years.

A model for perishable-led growth

BLR demonstrates that niche commodities, when backed by world-class infrastructure and regulatory efficiency, can anchor broader air cargo growth. The model is replicable for grapes, pomegranates, and cut flowers. The challenge ahead is to extend seasonal efficiencies year-round, integrating them into India’s National Air Cargo Policy objectives. This ensures seasonal peaks contribute to sustained cargo volume and revenue, positioning India as a competitive source for time-sensitive goods.

BLR’s record mango season is more than a statistical achievement—it is a case study in agricultural excellence, air cargo infrastructure, and trade facilitation. The sector is transitioning from fragmented seasonal operations to a strategically integrated export platform. For airlines, freight forwarders, policymakers, and agri-exporters, the message is clear: investment in cold chain resilience, compliance readiness, and market diversification will be critical to sustaining India’s leadership in global perishable trade.