Mangaluru International Airport Makes Steady Progress in Domestic Cargo Handling

The integrated cargo terminal (ICT) of Mangaluru International Airport is living up to its billing of being a one-stop solution for speedier movement of cargo. This can be gauged from the fact that the terminal ever since its inauguration on May 1 this year up to September 30, has handled 1676.21 tonnes of domestic cargo – both inbound and outbound. Out of the total cargo, the ICT has handled outbound cargo of 1560.23 tonnes and the rest is inbound cargo.

Post office mail from various stake holders dominates bulk of the outbound cargo. General cargo, valuables, marine products, ornamental fish form a minor part of the cargo handled. The inbound cargo on the other hand has an almost equal spread of post office mail, valuables, machinery parts, medical supplies, medical equipment. The ICT has also handled for variety the occasional parcels of fruits and vegetables, and excess baggage that travelling passengers had booked as cargo.

“The streamlined approach to handling cargo is one of the major commitments that the airport had given to the local trade body – the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at a recent interaction meeting with their members,” the airport spokesperson said. “Efforts are on to start international cargo operations as demanded by KCCI. This will become operational once the airport receives Customs clearance/custodianship for export handling,” the spokesperson added.

In the interim, local marine product exporters are using the ICT to route their products to overseas clientele. Mr Fayaz Ahmed, one such exporter who ships marine products in general and crabs in particular to China via Kolkata says the cargo terminal is a boon for his ilk. “Crabs fetch a premium in the China market. The assistance given by the airport in speedy and timely dispatch of such cargo will encourage exporters to use this facility regularly,” he avers.