The Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport reported a significant gap between its cargo handling capacity and actual throughput in the financial year 2024-25, handling just about 32 % of its optimum cargo volume. The airport processed 14,138 metric tonnes of cargo out of an installed capacity of 43,800 tonnes, according to information provided in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Despite under-utilisation, figures show consistent growth in cargo volumes since the inauguration of the airport’s Integrated Cargo Complex in July 2023. The facility handled around 10,000 tonnes of cargo in 2023, rising to 13,000 tonnes in 2025, with plans targeting 20,000 tonnes in the current financial year, reflecting gradual expansion of freight operations.
Built at a cost of approximately ₹12.45 crore, the cargo complex comprises five sheds and a cold storage unit, enabling it to cater to industries such as motor parts, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce, and to begin handling perishable goods.
Airlines including Vistara, Air India and IndiGo currently operate cargo flights from Chandigarh to major domestic hubs like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Officials emphasised that international cargo operations are expected to begin once customs clearance is in place — a move anticipated to significantly boost exports from the region and stimulate economic growth.
Industry observers say under-utilisation underscores broader challenges in maximizing air cargo capacity at smaller airports, where demand and international connectivity have lagged relative to infrastructure development.
