The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Vancouver and Bengaluru airports join hands to boost cargo growth
Sister airport pact targets stronger air cargo links between Canada and Southern India, expanded technology trade and potential direct flights between Vancouver and Bengaluru.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) have signed a sister airport agreement to boost air cargo growth between Western Canada and Southern India, with technology collaboration and potential direct air service as longer-term goals.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on October 16 at BLR’s Terminal 2, in the presence of Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, and senior representatives from both airports.
Under the agreement, seven areas of collaboration will be pursued, including a commitment to move more air cargo between Canada and Southern India to support fast-growing technology sectors in both regions.
YVR handled a record 365,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025, up 7.4 percent from 2024, and expects double-digit cargo growth in 2026; the airport has also committed to doubling its air cargo volumes over the next five years.
BLR moved 532,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 6 percent year-on-year, and is described as India’s leading gateway for perishable exports.
Industry voices describe the agreement as a step toward direct air service between the two gateways and a broader Canada–India trade corridor, aiming to increase trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.