Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Worldwide Airport dealt with a complete of 1.8 lakh metric tonnes of cargo in 2024.
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association

The Rajiv Gandhi Worldwide Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad dealt with a complete of 1.8 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2024, marking a 22% improve over the earlier yr. This surge was pushed by a 36% rise in worldwide cargo, which reached 1.08 lakh MT, whereas home cargo grew by 5% to 72,395 MT, stated a launch from the airport authorities.

Hyderabad airport solidified its place as one in every of India’s premier hubs for high-value pharmaceutical shipments, which constituted 72% of the full exports. The airport additionally noticed a surge within the motion {of electrical} and digital gadgets, together with engineering items. The USA of America and Europe emerged as the highest export locations, accounting for 51% of outbound shipments.

Strengthening international connectivity

In 2024, RGIA expanded its worldwide connectivity, serving over 20 international locations by each passenger and freighter flights. Lufthansa Cargo enhanced its presence by deploying Boeing 777F freighters, offering higher management and adaptability in cargo operations. Ethiopian Airways launched two weekly freighter companies between Hyderabad and Addis Ababa, establishing a direct connection to the African market.

Moreover, Qatar Airways elevated its freighter frequency on the Hyderabad-Doha route from two weekly companies to 3, responding to the rising demand. Turkish Airways additionally continued its scheduled freighter companies, the discharge stated.

Exports from Hyderabad reached key international markets, together with the USA, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Center East, South Asia, Australia and China.

Infra enlargement

The discharge additional stated that to accommodate rising cargo volumes, Hyderabad Airport is present process infrastructure enlargement. Cargo Terminal 1 is being upgraded to incorporate a brand new home terminal, a global courier/specific terminal, and a devoted export perishables terminal to boost operational effectivity.

In the meantime, the development of Cargo Terminal 2 is progressing, with Section I anticipated to turn out to be operational this yr. An additional 20,000 sq. toes of warehousing area is being developed inside the RGIA cargo village.

“As a number one hub for cargo in India, we stay devoted to creating world-class infrastructure, optimising processes, and enhancing our capability to serve various cargo wants,” stated Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad Worldwide Airport Restricted.