Bengaluru, Frankfurt airports sign MoU to boost India–Europe cargo links

Kempegowda International Airport, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Frankfurt Airport to strengthen air cargo connectivity between south India and Europe , officials said. The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of Air Cargo India 2026 in Mumbai , positioning the partnership as a strategic enabler of expanding bilateral trade and logistics integration.

The collaboration brings together two major global cargo gateways: BLR Airport, serving one of India’s fastest-growing manufacturing and export regions , and Frankfurt Airport, among Europe’s largest and most connected cargo hubs . Officials said the partnership aims to build a structured, data-driven cargo corridor that enhances efficiency, transparency, and reliability across critical trade lanes.

Under the MoU, both airports will focus on joint trade lane analytics, digital corridor development, pharma integrity standards, regulatory process optimisation, and knowledge exchange . These measures are designed to improve end-to-end cargo visibility, reduce dwell times, and deliver predictable service levels, especially for high-value and time-sensitive shipments, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, aerospace components, and e-commerce cargo.

BIAL said the agreement is strategically aligned with the EU–India free trade agreement (FTA) framework, which is expected to unlock fresh momentum in bilateral commerce. The partnership seeks to facilitate faster market access, smoother customs coordination, and increased cargo volumes, providing tangible benefits to exporters, freight forwarders, airlines, and logistics providers.

Girish Nair, chief operating officer of BIAL, said the collaboration reflects a strategic shift toward building integrated and technology-led cargo corridors between India and Europe. He added that continued investments in cargo infrastructure, automation, and digital platforms at BLR Airport would translate into scalable and globally competitive trade lanes.

Alexander Laukenmann, senior executive vice president of aviation at Fraport, said the partnership is a key pillar of Frankfurt Airport’s cargo hub masterplan, underlining its ambition to actively shape international air cargo flows through partnership-driven innovation and operational excellence.