3 weeks ago
1
Notwithstanding the dense disruptions successful formation operations successful the aftermath of the West Asia conflict, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has achieved astir 10% maturation successful cargo operations during the 2025-26 fiscal, acknowledgment chiefly to steps taken to streamline exports to the Gulf region.
During the period, CIAL handled 72,178 metric tonnes of cargo, of which astir 76% comprised planetary cargo, a maturation of astir 10% compared to the erstwhile year. Consequently, gross from the cargo conception roseate to ₹52.84 crore. The summation successful cargo volumes was chiefly driven by higher question of perishables, pharmaceuticals, concern consignments, and e-commerce shipments done CIAL’s expanding cargo network.
CIAL besides launched a Dedicated Trucking Centre aimed astatine streamlining landside cargo question and improving logistics efficiency. The installation includes dedicated parking and question zones for long-haul and short-haul cargo trucks, on with abstracted parking facilities and operator amenities to enactment round-the-clock cargo operations.
With the enlargement of the Export Cargo Warehouse, the airport’s yearly export cargo handling capableness has present accrued to 1,25,000 metric tonnes. The upgraded installation includes precocious screening systems, dedicated cold-chain infrastructure, specialised handling zones for unsafe goods and radioactive cargo, and enhanced retention facilities for high-value consignments. The airdrome presently operates cargo warehousing facilities dispersed crossed astir 2.5 lakh quadrate feet, handling a large stock of Kerala’s aerial freight movement.
Industry estimates bespeak that astir 60% of the State’s aerial cargo postulation is routed done CIAL.
CIAL besides demonstrated important operational agility during the West Asia situation by successfully handling 11 non-scheduled cargo freighter operations connecting Kochi with Gulf destinations during March–April 2026. These operations facilitated the export of perishables and indispensable commodities including vegetables, fruits, garments, cardamom and related nutrient from Kerala to Gulf markets during a play of heightened determination demand.
CIAL’s Customer Services & Cargo part has constituted a dedicated rapid-response task unit for non-scheduled cargo operations. Non-scheduled freighter and peculiar cargo services during the play were operated by airlines including Etihad Airways, National Airlines, SolitAir Aviation Services, SMB Private Cargo Charters, Fly Vaayu, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, Maldivian, Saudia, Air Arabia and Jazeera Airways.
CIAL managing manager S. Suhas said the airport’s absorption remains connected strengthening infrastructure, improving operational ratio and creating a future-ready logistics ecosystem susceptible of supporting planetary commercialized demands. “Through infrastructure augmentation, integer cargo absorption systems and multimodal integration initiatives, we purpose to present seamless freight connectivity portion supporting exporters, industries and emerging e-commerce markets,” helium said.
