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Tiruchirappalli Airport Cargo Soars 10%, Unveils New Transhipment Hub

Tiruchirappalli International Airport has reported a significant 10% increase in its international cargo traffic. A key development is the commissioning of its first-ever transhipment facility, which optimizes freight routing and costs. Further expansion includes plans for a dedicated domestic cargo terminal and the activation of an International Courier Facility. These steps collectively position the airport as an emerging comprehensive cargo hub for central and southern India.

Key Points: Tiruchirappalli Airport Cargo Growth & New Transhipment Facility

  • 10% rise in international cargo
  • First transhipment facility operational
  • Domestic cargo terminal planned
  • Courier facility to activate under PPP
2 min read

Tiruchirappalli International Airport records double-digit growth in international cargo

Tiruchirappalli International Airport records 10% cargo growth, launches first transhipment facility, and plans new domestic terminal to boost logistics.

"The growth highlights the airport's strengthening role as a key logistics hub for central Tamil Nadu and adjoining regions. - Airport Authority Statement"

Tiruchirappalli, January 26

Tiruchirappalli International Airport has registered a notable 10% increase in international cargo traffic, with average monthly volumes rising from 540 metric tonnes to around 590 MTs, as per the statement released by the airport authority.

The growth highlights the airport's strengthening role as a key logistics hub for central Tamil Nadu and adjoining regions.

In a major strategic milestone, the airport has commissioned its first-ever transhipment facility, which became operational on October 13, 2025. The facility enables cargo transfer between aircraft at an intermediate hub, allowing consignments to be consolidated and routed to multiple destinations.

This system helps reduce freight costs through optimised load management and provides critical connectivity for city pairs without direct flight services--particularly benefiting tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Tiruchirappalli.

To cater to rising domestic cargo demand, the airport is also planning a full-fledged domestic cargo terminal with a projected handling capacity of approximately 200 MTs per month. The proposed terminal will be integrated with the existing international cargo complex and will benefit from the airport's strong multimodal connectivity, including access to NH-83, NH-38, and proximity to major ports, the statement said.

The International Courier Facility, which was notified in 2022 but remained non-operational, is now set to be activated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework through an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract.

Once operational, the facility will enable businesses and individuals in the region to dispatch time-sensitive documents and parcels to destinations across Southeast Asia and Gulf countries, offering faster transit times and cost-effective alternatives to indirect routing via major metro hubs.

The launch of the transhipment facility, sustained growth in international cargo, plans for a domestic cargo terminal, and the operationalisation of courier services collectively signal Tiruchirappalli International Airport's transformation into a comprehensive cargo hub, strengthening logistics infrastructure for central and southern India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good to see tier-2 cities getting this kind of infrastructure boost. The domestic cargo terminal plan is crucial. Our MSMEs in Madurai, Tirunelveli, and even parts of Kerala can benefit massively from lower logistics costs. Hope the execution is as good as the plan.
S
Sarah B
As someone who ships handicrafts from Thanjavur, the activation of the International Courier Facility is the most exciting part. Sending samples to clients in Singapore and Dubai has been so expensive and slow. A direct, cost-effective route from Trichy will be a huge relief for small businesses like mine.
V
Vikram M
Positive development, no doubt. But I hope the authorities are also planning for the increased road traffic this will bring. NH-83 near the airport is already congested. Infrastructure growth must be holistic, not just inside the airport boundary.
A
Aman W
This is how you develop a region! First they improved passenger connectivity, now cargo. Trichy airport is becoming a proper economic engine for central Tamil Nadu. Next step should be attracting more freighters and maybe even a dedicated cargo airline service.
K
Kriti O
The PPP model for the courier facility is smart. Gets things moving faster than waiting for government machinery. Hope the tariffs remain competitive so that the benefits actually reach the end user—the local businessman or even an NRI sending a package home.

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