Mangaluru International Airport has launched its international cargo operations from its integrated cargo terminal. The first flight, IX 815, carried 2,522 kg of fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi.
The official launch, attended by the AAHL Cargo team, Mangaluru International Airport leadership, Customs, Airlines (IndiGo and Air India Express), and Airport Security Group of CISF, took place on Friday.
This development follows the start of domestic cargo operations on May 1, 2023. The airport was appointed as a Customs Cargo Service Provider by the Commissioner of Customs on May 10, marking the start of international cargo services.
Exporters from coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and the hinterland can now ship perishables and various other goods to international destinations including Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain via IndiGo and Air India Express.
In its first 11 months of domestic cargo operations, the airport handled 3,706.02 tonnes of cargo, predominantly post-office mail, comprising bank and UIDAI-related documents.