DHL opens $34m expanded Bengaluru Gateway to support e-commerce growth

DHL Express has opened its $34 million expanded Bengaluru Gateway to support India’s robust trade driven by e-commerce growth.

Located within the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, the facility spans over 112,00 sq feet – more than four times larger than the previous facility and making it the largest airside Express handling facility in the country.

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When operating at full capacity, the new and expanded gateway can handle over 90,000 tons of shipment per year. This enables DHL Express to offer 12 to 24 hours faster connection and delivery of imported goods across India, and reduce daily cut-off time for shipment pick-up by up to 60 minutes.

“As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, India remains a critical node of the global DHL network,” said Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific.

“The Bengaluru Gateway is part of our EUR750 million investment to bolster our infrastructure in Asia Pacific and enhance connectivity for countries and businesses,” Lee said.

“With strong international imports and exports driving the increasing cargo volume in Bengaluru, our new facility supports Bengaluru’s strategy to provide capacity of one million tons at its airport in the next few years,” he said.

Using 11 DHL-operated intercontinental freighters, 30 international commercial airlines and 70 domestic flights on a weekly basis, the Bengaluru Gateway currently connects both South and West India to over 220 countries and territories.

By this November 2021, an additional six dedicated intercontinental freighters will join the fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft operating through Bengaluru to 17.

The gateway’s primary export trade lanes are North America and Europe while Asia Pacific and Europe are the key import trade lanes for Bengaluru.

The facility will also provide greater capacity to support industries such as electronics, automotive, life sciences & medical, and fashion in Bengaluru.

“10 years ago, DHL landed its first freighter in Bengaluru and opened its Gateway at the Kempegowda International Airport,” said R.S Subramanian, SVP and Managing Director of DHL Express India.

“Since then, we have seen the international volumes multiply significantly. Our EUR22 million investment is testament to the growth potential we see in this market,” Subramanian said.

He continued that DHL will continually invest ahead of the curve in their infrastructure, technology and people to support the country’s economic growth and help Indian exporters and importers expand their business.