CIAL registers 10% growth in cargo movement despite West Asia crisis

Notwithstanding the heavy disruptions in flight operations in the wake of the West Asia conflict, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has achieved nearly 10% growth in cargo operations during the 2025-26 fiscal, thanks mainly to steps taken to streamline exports to the Gulf region.

During the period, CIAL handled 72,178 metric tonnes of cargo, of which nearly 76% comprised international cargo, a growth of around 10% compared to the previous year. Consequently, revenue from the cargo segment rose to ₹52.84 crore. The increase in cargo volumes was primarily driven by higher movement of perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial consignments, and e-commerce shipments through CIAL’s expanding cargo network.

CIAL also launched a Dedicated Trucking Centre aimed at streamlining landside cargo movement and improving logistics efficiency. The facility includes dedicated parking and movement zones for long-haul and short-haul cargo trucks, along with separate parking facilities and driver amenities to support round-the-clock cargo operations.

With the expansion of the Export Cargo Warehouse, the airport’s annual export cargo handling capacity has now increased to 1,25,000 metric tonnes. The upgraded facility includes advanced screening systems, dedicated cold-chain infrastructure, specialised handling zones for dangerous goods and radioactive cargo, and enhanced storage facilities for high-value consignments. The airport currently operates cargo warehousing facilities spread across approximately 2.5 lakh square feet, handling a major share of Kerala’s air freight movement.

Industry estimates indicate that nearly 60% of the State’s air cargo traffic is routed through CIAL.

CIAL also demonstrated significant operational agility during the West Asia crisis by successfully handling 11 non-scheduled cargo freighter operations connecting Kochi with Gulf destinations during March–April 2026. These operations facilitated the export of perishables and essential commodities including vegetables, fruits, garments, cardamom and related produce from Kerala to Gulf markets during a period of heightened regional demand.

CIAL’s Customer Services & Cargo division has constituted a dedicated rapid-response task force for non-scheduled cargo operations. Non-scheduled freighter and special cargo services during the period were operated by airlines including Etihad Airways, National Airlines, SolitAir Aviation Services, SMB Private Cargo Charters, Fly Vaayu, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, Maldivian, Saudia, Air Arabia and Jazeera Airways.

CIAL managing director S. Suhas said the airport’s focus remains on strengthening infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and creating a future-ready logistics ecosystem capable of supporting global trade demands. “Through infrastructure augmentation, digital cargo management systems and multimodal integration initiatives, we aim to deliver seamless freight connectivity while supporting exporters, industries and emerging e-commerce markets,” he said.