Rajkot’s Hirasar airport processed its first outbound cargo shipment on Tuesday, clearing a 600 kg consignment of silver ornaments from the passenger terminal.
While the airport’s dedicated cargo terminal is still under construction, temporary clearance from the passenger terminal was permitted after repeated representations from logistics companies and jewellery traders. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) granted security clearance for the arrangement on July 23.
The inaugural consignment was dispatched to Delhi on a night flight. Sources said logistics operators have been allotted night hours for cargo examination and clearance before loading. Cargo booked on daytime flights will be cleared at night and stored at the airport until dispatch.
Rajkot, a major hub for jewellery manufacturing, dispatches nearly 10,000 kg of silver, gold and imitation ornaments daily across the country. Industry representatives said the new facility will cut logistics costs and reduce theft risks associated with road transport.