IndiGo has launched a dedicated freighter service connecting Kochi and Sharjah, strengthening air-cargo connectivity between Kerala and the Gulf and creating an additional logistics link for exporters in the region.
The new service is operated by IndiGo CarGo using an Airbus A321 freighter. It initially operates once a week, with plans to increase the frequency to three flights a week as cargo volumes build.
The direct freighter connection is expected to support shipments of seafood, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, textiles and garments from Kerala to markets across the UAE and wider Middle East. A dedicated freighter also provides exporters with additional capacity for time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive cargo.
The launch comes at a time when cargo activity at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) is rising. During the current Onam season, CIAL expects to handle around 1,678 tonnes of cargo between August 17 and 23, including 1,173 tonnes of perishables. Non-scheduled freighter operations by IndiGo and other carriers are providing additional capacity alongside scheduled passenger flights.
CIAL has developed dedicated infrastructure for freighter operations, including facilities for perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods and high-value shipments. Its cargo centre includes temperature-controlled storage and dedicated handling facilities for freighter aircraft.
The airport has also recently expanded its export cargo warehouse, raising annual export-handling capacity from 75,000 tonnes to 125,000 tonnes. The upgraded facility includes additional screening equipment, cold rooms and specialised areas for dangerous goods, radioactive cargo and valuable shipments.
The Kochi-Sharjah freighter service is therefore expected to strengthen CIAL’s position as an important cargo gateway for Kerala, particularly for exporters seeking faster connections to Gulf markets. The additional dedicated capacity could also help reduce reliance on passenger aircraft belly space during periods of high seasonal demand.
For Kerala’s export sector, the new link provides another direct air-cargo option to the UAE while supporting the movement of high-value and time-sensitive products. As volumes grow, the planned increase in frequency could further enhance Kochi’s role as a regional air-logistics hub.