Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 16: Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have signed a sister airport agreement to strengthen operational and technological cooperation, improve cargo movement and explore the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between the two cities.
The memorandum of understanding outlines seven areas of cooperation, including smart airport technologies, digital platforms, data-driven decision-making and sustainable airport operations.
The two airports will also explore joint innovation initiatives, including potential applications of YVR’s Digital Twin technology, which creates a virtual representation of physical infrastructure to support planning and operational efficiency.
The agreement was announced at Terminal 2 of Bengaluru Airport on Friday in the presence of Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and senior representatives from both airports.
Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said the partnership would enable both airports to adopt global best practices and enhance operational efficiency.
By combining Vancouver’s role as a major international gateway with Bengaluru’s position as one of India’s prominent aviation hubs, the collaboration will focus on developing next-generation capabilities in digital platforms and data-driven decision-making, he said.
Sidhu said the agreement would lay the foundation for direct air services and stronger commercial ties between India and Canada. He said improved connectivity would help boost trade, investment and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between Canada and India was valued at more than USD 10.9 billion in 2025. The partnership also aims to strengthen air cargo links, particularly to support technology and other expanding industries.
Bengaluru’s BLR Airport handled 44.47 million passengers and 532,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025, while Vancouver International Airport recorded 26.9 million passengers and 365,000 tonnes of cargo.
The collaboration is expected to build on the growing passenger and freight volumes at both airports while creating opportunities for closer cooperation in aviation technology, trade and connectivity.