Despite growth in international flight services from Tiruchy International Airport, exporters report that cargo volumes have not increased proportionately. The Export Import Federation, Tiruchy, has requested measures, including a district-level export promotion committee, a logistics park, and a modern export terminal with cold storage.
Since the airport was declared a cargo port in 2011, more than 95 per cent of consignments handled have been perishable products such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Non-perishable items account for less than 5 per cent of exports, and there are no import cargo operations.
Cargo throughput rose from 4,945 tons in 2021-22 to 6,478 tons in 2024-25, but exporters said this increase was limited compared to the growth in flight services. Currently, the airport operates 35 weekly flights to Singapore and 24 to Kuala Lumpur, which carry most of the cargo.
Freight charges at Tiruchy are higher than at other airports in the region. Federation president N Kanagasabapathy said, "While other airports charge Rs 35 to Rs 45 (US$0.42–0.54) per kg, Tiruchy charges Rs 65 to Rs 85 (US$0.78–1.02). This drives exporters to shift to other airports."
In response, the federation submitted proposals to Tiruchy MP Durai Vaiko. These included forming a district-level export promotion committee with representation from central and state agencies and the district administration. Exporters also requested the establishment of a logistics park connected to the export terminal, expanded cargo handling space, and modern cold storage for farm produce. The federation further called for exemptions from GST on air freight for agricultural products and the development of a grading and packing facility meeting international standards.
Source: The Indian Express