Kozhikode International Airport has received RA3 (Regulated Agent in a Third Country) certification, paving the way for direct cargo exports to Europe and opening new opportunities for exporters in Kozhikode and the wider Malabar region. Approval for direct cargo exports to the United Kingdom is also expected soon.
The development marks a significant milestone for the region’s trade and industrial sectors, particularly businesses exporting perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited (KSIE), under the state Industries Department, has been managing cargo export operations at the airport for more than three decades. Until now, international cargo operations were primarily authorised for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The RA3 certification confirms that the security procedures followed by KSIE’s Calicut Air Cargo facility meet the security requirements of the European Union. This will enable airlines to accept cargo shipments from Kozhikode for European destinations without requiring additional security screening at European airports, subject to applicable regulations.
The certification was granted following a comprehensive security assessment of the airport’s cargo facilities led by Jan Olavi Kappi, an independent EU air cargo security validator and prominent Finnish aviation security specialist.
With the new approval, exporters will be able to ship cargo to European countries through existing international flight connections and transit hubs, with fewer delays and reduced additional screening requirements during transit.
The development is expected to provide substantial relief to exporters in Kozhikode and other parts of Malabar who receive orders from European markets. Previously, many exporters had to depend on other airports in Kerala and neighbouring states or route their consignments through GCC airports, where cargo could undergo additional security checks before being forwarded to Europe.
These arrangements often resulted in higher transportation costs, longer transit times and additional screening expenses. The RA3 certification is expected to help reduce these logistical challenges and improve the competitiveness of regional exporters.
The new facility will be particularly beneficial to exporters of perishable goods, including fruits, vegetables and flowers, which require faster handling and shorter transit times to maintain quality and freshness.
The development is also expected to strengthen Kozhikode’s position as an emerging export gateway for Malabar’s businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises seeking greater access to European markets.
Further expansion of cargo operations is anticipated once runway extension works are completed and approvals for larger aircraft are secured. Just as these developments could improve passenger connectivity, they are also expected to create fresh growth opportunities for the airport’s cargo and export sectors.
The RA3 certification is therefore being viewed as an important step towards strengthening Kozhikode’s international cargo connectivity, reducing export logistics costs and boosting the region’s trade and industrial growth.