DHL Express has opened its expanded Bengaluru Gateway facility at Kempegowda International Airport – making it the largest airside express handling facility in India.

Spanning over 112,000sq  ft, the new €22 million facility is quadruple the size of the previous site and is equipped to handle ~90,000 tons per annum when operating at full capacity.

DHL Express said the expanded Bengaluru Gateway will offer 12 to 24 hours faster connection and delivery of imported goods across India, as well as reducing daily cut-off time for shipment pick-up by up to 60 minutes.

DHL Express Asia Pacific’s CEO Ken Lee said: “As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, India remains a critical node of the global DHL network. The Bengaluru Gateway is part of our €750 million investment to bolster our infrastructure in Asia Pacific and enhance connectivity for countries and businesses.

“With strong international imports and exports driving 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.”

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

An additional six dedicated intercontinental freighters will join the current fleet by November 2021, bringing the total number of aircraft operating through the Bengaluru Gateway to 17.

DHL Express India’s SVP and managing director R.S Subramanian said: “10 years ago, DHL landed its first freighter in Bengaluru and opened its Gateway at the Kempegowda International Airport. Since then we have seen the international volumes multiply significantly.

“Our €22 million investment is testament to the growth potential we see in this market. To maintain our market-leading positions, we will continually invest ahead of the curve in our infrastructure, technology and people to support the country’s economic growth and help Indian exporters and importers expand their business.”