Indian apparel exporters have appealed to the government to waive airport demurrage charges for export cargo after widespread flight disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The move aims to alleviate financial stress on exporters who are facing significant delays in air cargo movement due to rerouted or cancelled flights.
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has formally written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other relevant authorities, requesting that demurrage fees — normally levied when cargo stays in airport terminals longer than the permitted free time — be waived given the extraordinary circumstances. Exporters argue that current disruptions, driven by restricted airspace and altered flight routes over the Middle East, are beyond their control and have resulted in shipments being stranded at various airports.
Under the existing tariff structure, airlines and cargo handlers impose demurrage penalties when consignments remain in airport cargo facilities past a designated period. Industry representatives say that accumulating these charges during a geopolitical crisis could sharply increase costs for exporters already grappling with logistical uncertainty.
“The current situation in West Asia has severely disrupted international flight schedules. Cargo delays have become inevitable, and levying demurrage fees under such circumstances places an unfair financial burden on exporters,” said one AEPC official, summarising concerns shared across the sector.
The conflict has hit major aviation routes used by Indian carriers and cargo services, with hundreds of flights cancelled or rerouted in recent days as airlines avoid high-risk airspace and adjust operations in response to safety protocols.
Exporters warn that if demurrage charges continue to mount, the competitiveness of Indian garments and textiles could suffer, potentially affecting delivery timelines and client confidence in key overseas markets. They urged the government to step in with temporary relief measures until normal flight operations resume.
Government officials are reviewing the request and consulting with civil aviation bodies and airport authorities on possible exemptions or extensions of free storage periods for export cargo. An announcement on the final decision is expected in the coming days.
Context: The West Asia conflict has disrupted global aviation corridors and trade flows, compelling airlines to cancel flights, avoid certain airspaces and reroute long-haul services. This has had ripple effects across freight traffic and export logistics, particularly for industries reliant on timely air cargo movement.
