Menzies Aviation has secured a 15-year licence to provide ground handling services at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, marking a significant expansion of its operational role at one of India’s busiest and fastest-growing airports.
The licence, awarded by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), will take effect from 1 April 2026, with operations commencing following regulatory approvals.
Under the new agreement, Menzies Aviation will deliver passenger, ramp, and baggage handling services across Terminals 1 and 2, offering airlines the advantage of accessing both ground handling and cargo services through a single operator.
This integrated approach is expected to enhance efficiency and operational consistency for airline partners operating at the airport.
Menzies Aviation is no newcomer to Bengaluru. The company has provided cargo services at the airport for more than 15 years, building a strong operational foundation and long-standing relationship with the airport operator.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru currently handles over 43 million passengers annually and continues to experience steady growth in both domestic and international traffic. Industry data cited in the announcement highlights India’s broader aviation momentum, including rising passenger numbers, expanding seat capacity, and wider network connectivity.
As part of the licence agreement, Menzies Aviation will launch a major recruitment programme, adding approximately 1,000 new employees over the next three years. These hires will significantly expand the company’s existing 1,700-strong cargo workforce at the airport. All new recruits will undergo structured training aligned with Menzies Aviation’s global safety and operational standards, supporting reliable and compliant service delivery.
The company also plans to invest more than US$9.2 million in ground support equipment at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. A portion of this investment will be directed toward electric ground handling equipment, aligning with both Menzies Aviation’s sustainability strategy and BIAL’s initiatives around decarbonisation and environmentally responsible airport operations.
Commenting on the milestone, Charles Wyley, EVP Middle East, Africa & Asia, Menzies Aviation, said, “Securing this 15-year licence at one of India’s fastest-growing airports is an important step in strengthening our presence in a region experiencing exceptional aviation growth. We are proud to deepen our partnership with BIAL by delivering integrated ground handling and cargo solutions for our airline customers.”
From the airport operator’s perspective, the partnership is expected to support long-term operational excellence and sustainability goals. Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “We are confident this partnership will further strengthen safe, efficient, and seamless ground handling operations at BLR Airport, support our long-term growth and sustainability ambitions, and deliver consistent value to our airline partners and passengers, reinforcing our vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub.”
With airlines continuing to increase operations at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, the new licence positions Menzies Aviation to play an expanded and strategic role in supporting airport performance, airline efficiency, and passenger experience.