Mangaluru Airport inaugurates an international cargo terminal, boosting exports of perishables and diverse goods to global markets.
Mangaluru International Airport has inaugurated its integrated international cargo terminal, marking a significant milestone in its operations. The terminal’s launch event took place on July 2, with the maiden international cargo flight, IX 815, transporting 2522 kg of fresh fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi.
The airport’s leadership team, alongside representatives from Customs, airlines, and the Airport Security Group of CISF, attended the formal launch ceremony held on Friday. A media statement highlighted that the new facility aims to support exporters from coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and the hinterland, enabling them to efficiently transport a diverse range of goods.
The international cargo operations will cater to a variety of export commodities, including perishables like fresh fruits, vegetables, food items, machine parts, textiles, shoes, tropical fish, frozen and dry fish, plastic coloring materials, and ship parts such as propellers. This expansion is expected to boost trade opportunities for local businesses by providing direct connectivity to key international markets.
IndiGo and Air India Express, operating from Mangaluru, will facilitate cargo shipments to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, enhancing connectivity and trade prospects for exporters in the region.
The airport initially commenced domestic cargo operations on May 1, 2023, and received additional authorisation on May 10, 2024, when the Commissioner of Customs appointed it as a Custodian and Customs Cargo Service Provider for international cargo operations.
During the financial year 2024–25, Mangaluru Airport handled a total of 3706.02 tonnes of domestic cargo, comprising 279.21 tonnes of inbound and 3426.8 tonnes of outbound cargo. This growth underscores the airport’s growing role as a pivotal hub for both domestic and now international cargo operations in southern India.
