The Mangaluru International Airport has initiated international cargo services with the departure of Air India Express flight IX 815 to Abu Dhabi, carrying 2.5 tons of fresh produce on July 2, 2024. This development follows the airport's commencement of domestic cargo services on May 1, 2023. The formal inauguration of these services took place on July 5, 2024, attended by representatives from AAHL Cargo, Mangaluru International Airport, Customs, IndiGo, Air India Express, and CISF. Located 16 kms from Mangaluru city, the airport offers a range of facilities including separate export-import warehouses, customs and banking services, bonded trucking, cold storage for perishables, secure storage for valuables, and mail and courier handling.
With the designation of the airport as a custodian and customs cargo service provider by the Commissioner of Customs on May 10, 2024, it marks a significant step towards facilitating international cargo operations. The airport's strategic location will support exporters from coastal Karnataka and Kerala, offering routes for perishables and other goods to the Middle East.
Source: itln.in