Amid operational disruptions and geopolitical tensions in West Asia during February–March, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has recorded strong growth in its cargo operations.

Efforts implemented to streamline exports to the Gulf region have yielded significant results, enabling CIAL to achieve nearly 10 per cent growth during the financial year. In FY26, CIAL handled 72,178 tonnes of cargo, of which nearly 76 per cent comprised international cargo. This marked an increase of around 10 per cent compared to the previous year. The 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.

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.

CIAL’s cargo infrastructure also witnessed major capacity enhancement. With the expansion of the Export Cargo Warehouse, the airport’s annual export cargo handling capacity has now increased to 1,25,000 tonne. 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.

CIAL has also demonstrated significant operational agility during the West Asia crisis period by successfully handling 11 non-scheduled cargo freighter operations connecting Kochi with Gulf destinations during March–April.  

Non-scheduled freighter and special cargo services during the period were operated by 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.

S.Suhas, Managing Director said “CIAL is steadily evolving into a future-ready air cargo and logistics gateway for South India. 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.

CIAL has also initiated steps to further strengthen specialised cargo handling, including efforts to obtain certification for pharmaceutical cargo handling and expand support systems for temperature-sensitive and time-critical shipments.

Published on May 8, 2026