Apparel exporters urge relief on airport charges as airspace closures delay export cargo.
Apparel exporters have urged the government to waive airport demurrage charges on export cargo as flight disruptions triggered by the ongoing West Asian crisis begin to impact the movement of consignments.
In a communication to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said the prevailing situation has significantly disrupted international flight operations. Exporters cited route restrictions, airspace closures, flight diversions, schedule irregularities and operational constraints at several overseas airports as key challenges affecting timely cargo evacuation.
Airport demurrage charges are levied when export cargo or baggage is held at airport terminals beyond the stipulated free period. With flights being cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, exporters said cargo is increasingly getting stuck at terminals through no fault of shippers, exposing them to additional costs.
AEPC warned that without temporary relief, the added financial burden could hurt apparel exporters already facing tight delivery timelines and volatile global demand. The council has sought government intervention to provide immediate relief by waiving demurrage charges for the duration of the disruption, allowing exporters to manage delays caused by factors beyond their control.
Officials are understood to be examining the request as part of broader efforts to cushion trade and logistics from the fallout of the West Asia conflict.
Source: PTI
