Coimbatore holds key meeting to boost air cargo traffic after six-year gap

Trade and industry leaders, freight forwarders, and shipping agents met with the director of the Airports Authority of India in Coimbatore on Tuesday to find ways to increase air cargo movement from the Coimbatore International Airport.

Meeting Details

R. Rajeshkumar, president of the Custom Broker & Shipping Agents' Association, stated that this cargo facilitation committee meeting took place after a gap of six years. Air cargo movement from the city holds massive potential for growth. Fly Dubai is ready to run two to three chartered flights every week and has asked for details regarding export and import trade and potential.

Regional Potential

Most export goods currently travel through Kochi, Chennai, or Bengaluru, and imports also arrive through other ports. Officials are now working to collect this missing data. Districts like Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Erode, and the Nilgiris generate a large volume of export cargo, giving the local airport strong potential. The committee will hold its next meeting in February to push forward these measures.

Context

Airports often form cargo committees to bring local businesses and airline operators together to solve logistical hurdles. Better direct cargo flights help local textile and manufacturing hubs save time and transport costs compared to sending goods by road to distant metro airports.