Tiruchirappalli International Airport handled 721 tonnes of international export cargo in August 2026, crossing the 700-tonne mark in a single month for the first time in seven years. The airport last recorded monthly export cargo above 700 tonnes in August 2019, before the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The August performance was driven overwhelmingly by perishable commodities, which accounted for about 685 tonnes of the total cargo. Shipments included vegetables, fruits, flowers, dairy products, chilled fish and prawns. The remaining 36 tonnes consisted of general cargo, including garments, fabrics, value-added food products and imitation jewellery.
Onam demand boosts Gulf-bound shipments
A major factor behind the increase was stronger demand for Indian agricultural and food products in the Middle East during the Onam season. Demand for fruits and flowers in the UAE helped push export volumes higher during August, particularly through the airport’s Gulf connectivity.
Trichy Airport currently handles around 79 international services a week, connecting the region with seven destinations across the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Exporters have particularly benefited from shipments routed through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, which serve as important distribution hubs for cargo moving into Gulf markets.
The recovery of Gulf air services following disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict also helped exporters move larger volumes. Although international flight operations had not fully returned to pre-conflict levels, the airport achieved the 721-tonne milestone with its existing resources.
Exporters seek more cargo capacity
Exporters said the strong August performance demonstrates the potential for significantly higher cargo volumes from the region. According to the Export Import Federation Trichy, international freight averaged about 23 tonnes per day during August.
Exporters believe the airport could potentially cross the 1,000-tonne monthly cargo mark if airlines provide greater cargo space and capacity.
However, higher operating costs remain a concern. The user fee charged by airlines for export cargo has increased to around ₹140 per kg, compared with approximately ₹50-60 per kg before the pandemic. Despite the higher costs, strong demand from the Gulf and Singapore encouraged exporters to increase international freight movements during the month.
Runway expansion seen as key to growth
The latest cargo milestone has renewed calls for faster implementation of Trichy Airport’s runway expansion project. Exporters have urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Union government to accelerate the project so that the airport can accommodate larger aircraft with greater cargo capacity.
The airport’s broader cargo activity is also expanding. Domestic air cargo operations began on August 25, with about 2.46 tonnes handled on the first day through the integrated passenger terminal. The new domestic service is expected to provide regional traders and manufacturers with another channel to reach markets across India.
Trichy Airport’s 721-tonne August performance therefore marks a significant recovery in its international cargo business. Continued growth in Gulf demand, improved flight connectivity, additional cargo capacity and planned infrastructure expansion could enable the airport to emerge as a stronger air-freight gateway for central and southern Tamil Nadu.