Mumbai, Oct. 23 -- Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru and Vancouver International Airport in Canada have signed a sister airport agreement to strengthen operational, technological, economic and air service links between southern India and western Canada. The memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday in the presence of Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, and other dignitaries.
The agreement outlines seven areas of collaboration, including the use of technology and innovation to improve airport operations. The partnership will involve work on Vancouver International Airport's Digital Twin and the exploration of emerging tools and potential pilot projects that could be jointly developed or tested by teams from both airports.
According to a statement from Bangalore International Airport, which operates Kempegowda International Airport, the agreement also aims to facilitate air cargo movement between southern India and Canada. The focus includes supporting the technology sector in both regions and establishing direct air services between Bengaluru and Vancouver.
The agreement was formalised at an event at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport. Senior representatives from both airports attended along with Canada's High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, Consul General of Canada in Bengaluru, Ryan Ward, and Sidhu.
The two airports will exchange models covering smart airport technologies, sustainable operations and terminal performance management. Their cooperation will also cover digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, process optimisation, operational resilience and passenger experience. BIAL Chief Operating Officer Girish Nair said the partnership would create a framework for technology integration and operational excellence based on global practices.
Bangalore International Airport said two-way trade between Canada and India was valued at more than USD 10.9 bn in 2025, while both governments are working to increase trade volumes. British Columbia is home to nearly 500,000 people of Indian origin, representing close to 10 per cent of the province's population. Sidhu said the agreement would support stronger trade, investment and people-to-people ties, while Vancouver International Airport recorded 7.4 per cent growth in air cargo volumes in 2025.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.