It’s raining roses at KIA!

NT Correspondent

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru witnessed a near two-fold increase in rose shipments in the run-up to Valentine’s Day this year.

The airport facilitated the movement of approximately 5.15 lakh kg of roses to 25 international and domestic destinations, as against 2.7 lakh kg shipped in 2021.

The demand for roses in the domestic market has also seen a considerable rise this season. Domestic shipments rose to 3.15 lakh kg, while it was 1.03 lakh kg in 2021, recording over 200% growth. Around 2 lakh kg were exported to international destinations this year, as against 1.7 lakh kg last year.

“Bengaluru is the biggest exporter of roses in India. At KIA, we take pride in becoming a channel to aid the local community, growers and shippers by facilitating shipment of their produce while maintaining freshness. Our cargo infrastructure, powered by technology, provides rapid distribution of perishable cargo, making Bengaluru Airport the preferred cargo airport in South India. We will continue to work with our cargo partners to introduce new initiatives and facilities that cater to constantly evolving demand,” said Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy & Development Officer, BIAL.

The top domestic destinations for roses include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati and Chandigarh. Among the top international destinations were Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Amsterdam, Kuwait, Auckland, Beirut, Manila, Muscat and Dubai.

Aided with robust coldchain infrastructure, operated by Air India SATS and Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore, and adequate airline capacities to key markets globally, Bengaluru airport has transformed itself as the preferred choice for perishable shipments in India.

Through its cargo partners, the airport has invested in several tech-driven interventions to ensure there is no temperature excursion, reduce the handling time and speed up clearance of consignments. The Plant Quarantine Inspection and Certification facility at the terminal enables seamless and faster transit of flowers. All farm-fresh commodities reach their destinations within 24 hours of harvest.

In FY 2020-21, Bengaluru Airport, with a cold-chain handling capacity of 60,000 Metric Tonnes, emerged as the No.1 Airport in the country for perishable shipments, processing 48,130 Metric Tonnes of perishables. The airport also accounted for 31% of India’s total perishable shipments, and according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’s (APEDA) data for FY 2020-21, Bengaluru airport topped the list for flower exports in India.