Flydubai will launch cargo operations from Cochin International Airport (CIAL) on October 25, introducing a weekly freighter service on the Dubai–Kochi–Dubai route.
The service will initially operate once a week using a Boeing 737 freighter, adding to the cargo connectivity between Kerala and the United Arab Emirates. Flydubai has recently launched its cargo operations and currently operates three freighter aircraft leased from SolitAir, each capable of carrying up to 23 tonnes of cargo.
With Flydubai’s entry, the airline will become the third operator to provide dedicated cargo flight services from Kochi. IndiGo and National Airlines are already operating cargo flights from the airport.
CIAL is strengthening its infrastructure and operational capacity to emerge as a major air cargo hub in Kerala. Following the completion of its cargo terminal expansion, the airport can handle up to 100,000 metric tonnes of import cargo and 125,000 metric tonnes of export cargo annually.
During the last financial year, CIAL handled 72,178 tonnes of cargo, accounting for approximately 60 per cent of Kerala’s total air cargo volume.
The addition of Flydubai’s freighter service is expected to expand cargo handling opportunities and strengthen air freight connectivity between Kochi and Dubai, supporting exporters, importers and logistics operators across Kerala.