Bengaluru and Vancouver airports sign sister airport agreement

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have signed a sister airport agreement covering operational, technological, economic and air service cooperation.

The memorandum of understanding sets out seven areas of collaboration. One is the use of technology to make airport operations more efficient, including work tied to YVR's Digital Twin and other emerging tools, and possible pilot projects the two airports could develop or test together.

Air cargo movement between Southern India and Canada is also covered, with attention to industries such as the technology sector in both regions. Another aim is direct air service between Bengaluru and Vancouver.

Albert van Veen, vice president of innovation and chief information officer at Vancouver International Airport, said the arrangement reflects the weight of the Canada–India corridor and the case for closer work across the aviation sector to support passengers, cargo and trade. He called the partnership a practical example of that approach, saying the two airports are looking at ways to improve the passenger journey, raise operational efficiency and resilience, and support continued travel and trade growth between the two countries.

Trade in both directions between Canada and India was valued at more than $10.9 billion in 2025, and the two governments want to increase volumes in the years ahead.

British Columbia has one of the world's largest Indian diasporas, close to 500,000 people, or nearly 10% of the province's population.