Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru and Vancouver International Airport announce sister airport agreement
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) signed a sister airport agreement to strengthen aviation, trade, technology and economic ties between Southern India and Western Canada.
The agreement was announced in the presence of Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade.
Focus Areas of Collaboration
- Cooperation across seven key areas.
Joint initiatives in:
- Airport innovation and technology
- Digital transformation
- Operational efficiency
- Cargo development
- Knowledge sharing and best practices
- Air service growth
- Future innovation pilot projects
Technology and Innovation
BLR Airport and YVR will collaborate on:
- Smart airport technologies
- Data-driven decision-making
- Process optimisation
- Digital Twin technology
- Sustainable airport operations
- Terminal performance management
Air Cargo and Trade
- The partnership aims to boost air cargo movement between India and Canada.
- Focus on supporting growing sectors such as:
- Technology
- Advanced industries
- International trade and logistics
Direct Air Connectivity
- Both airports will work towards establishing direct flights between Bengaluru and Vancouver.
- The initiative is expected to strengthen passenger travel, cargo movement and business connectivity.
Economic Significance
- Canada-India bilateral trade exceeded US$10.9 billion in 2025.
- British Columbia is home to nearly 500,000 people of Indian origin, representing around 10% of the province's population.
- Bengaluru continues to grow as one of India's leading technology and business hubs.
Industry Reactions
- Albert van Veen, Vice President of Innovation and CIO, YVR, said the agreement will improve passenger experience, operational efficiency and support trade growth.
- Girish Nair, COO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), highlighted opportunities to develop future-ready airport capabilities through technology and operational collaboration.
- Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, said the agreement lays the groundwork for direct air services and stronger trade and investment links.
- Jeff Nankivell, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, described the agreement as a major step towards deeper economic and transportation ties.
- Victor Thomas, President and CEO of the Canada India Business Council, said the partnership would create new business and investment opportunities.
Airport Performance Highlights (2025)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- Handled 26.9 million passengers.
- Processed 365,000 tonnes of cargo.
- Cargo volumes grew 7.4% year-on-year.
- Named Best Airport in North America by Skytrax for the 15th consecutive year.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR)
- Handled 44.47 million passengers.
- International passenger traffic increased 23.9%.
- Processed 532,000 tonnes of cargo, up 6% year-on-year.
- India's leading gateway for perishable exports.
- Terminal 2 is India's only airport terminal with a Skytrax 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating.
Significance of the Agreement
- Strengthens connectivity between Southern India and Western Canada.
- Enhances collaboration in aviation technology and innovation.
- Supports trade, tourism and cargo growth.
- Paves the way for future direct air links between Bengaluru and Vancouver.
