Domestic cargo handling at MIA on growth path

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 30, 2016: MIA, Mangaluru International Airport’s  Domestic air cargo operations that started on  June 26, 2015 has been growing steadily. Ever since domestic air cargo operations started, the airport handled 1,650 metric tonnes in nine months up to March 31, 2016. It is further expected to handle 2,500 MT in 2016-17.

The domestic cargo is being operated by M/s Cargo Service Centre, Mumbai on behalf of Airports Authority of India at  MIA. Mangaluru International Airport.

J T Radhakrishna, airport director, MIA said on an average, 200 metric tonnes of domestic cargo - mainly postal articles is going through the airport. This hitherto was being done through KIA at Bengaluru, he said adding the domestic cargo handled touched 220 metric tonnes in March. "We are expecting an average of 100 MT incremental growth in domestic cargo each month during the current fiscal with stakeholders giving indications to this regard," he said.

On the other hand, international cargo handled at MIA is about 560 metric tonnes in 2015-16. This is mainly in the form of fruits and vegetables that are going to Dubai, he said adding that the onus of improving the cargo volume rests with trade and industry bodies. "It is for them to utilize facilities for cargo exports/imports within India as well as to other countries through the airlines," Radhakrishna said, adding AAI will facilitate the same in a customer friendly way.