In a major turnaround, the Chennai airport has taken the third spot in international cargo handling in first half of this fiscal, overtaking its biggest and nearest competitor – Bengaluru (BIAL) – by a whisker. Increased import of engineering goods and export of Apple iPhones were amongst major reasons for the increase in cargo volume at the Chennai airport, according to industry sources.
From April to September 2025, the Chennai airport handled 1,66,440 tonnes of international cargo while Bengaluru (BIAL) handled 1,65,899 tonnes – a difference of just 541 tonnes, according to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India.
In April to September 2024, it was the reverse with Chennai airport handling 1,45,149 tonnes of international cargo while Bengaluru handling 1,61,963 tonnes, a difference of 16,814 tonnes.
Interestingly, in the first half of the current fiscal, the Chennai airport’s international freight volume grew by 15 per cent while Bengaluru saw a 2.4 per cent growth, says the data.
Meanwhile, Delhi airport continues to be the leader in international freight handling with 3,68,359 tonnes in the first half of this fiscal. Mumbai was second, Chennai third, Bengaluru fourth and Hyderabad fifth.
Chennai Airport Director M Raja Kishore said, “Yes, it is true”.. “There was an increase in the tonnage of import of cargo in Chennai airport mainly due to automobile and electronics industry. The overall import/export tonnage increased and the performance was greater than Bengaluru. Apple was not the only factor, which caused this increase though it also aided,” he said.
J Krishnan of S Natesa Iyer Logistics LLP, a Chennai-based freight forwarder, said the Chennai airport has toiled diligently to mitigate the many speed breakers turning away the users and it’s heartening to note the efforts are bearing fruit. While process simplification and facilitation is welcome more ground needs to be covered with a sense or urgency to stay ahead.
Dinesh Krishnan, Chairman, The Air cargo Agents Association of India, South Region, said electronics, electricals, automotive and engineering goods were major commodities that helped in the increase. This underscores the shift towards high-value goods in this region.
“We urge the airport authorities to invest and come up with a long term business plan for growth and development of the Chennai air cargo terminal to realise its full potential, and support trade development in this region,” he said.
