Pune: The city airport took its first steps towards international cargo imports in June with three consignments of items, including electronic parts for automobiles and chemicals related to fertilisers, arriving from UK’s Heathrow Airport (via Delhi) through transshipment.Deputy general manager (cargo) for Pune airport, Pradeep Kumar, said all three consignments came on Air India flights. “The third consignment, consisting of personal artefacts, came directly from Bangkok. With this, international cargo imports have begun at Pune airport. In future, we expect volumes to increase. Our cargo terminal, operational since 2023, has all the facilities needed to handle such consignments,” Kumar told TOI.The journey to this milestone had met with some turbulence in recent years. In 2023, cargo movements at Pune airport were hit due to delays in clearances from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). As a result, between Jan 2023 and Jan 2024, there were zero movements of international cargo from the airport.“Things have improved since then. Between April 2024 and May 2025, a total cargo (domestic and international) of 78,688 metric tonne (MT) was moved from the airport. Of this, just 169.2 MT was international cargo exports,” another official said.To date, Pune airport has only recorded international cargo exports. These typically consist of auto parts and perishables like fruits and vegetables.Back in 2018, former Pune airport director Ajay Kumar had announced that the airport was approved for the transshipment facility. However, Air India used the facility for the first time only in 2024 to move an international consignment to Kuwait from Mumbai.Transshipment is useful for the transfer of goods from one mode of transportation to another, ensuring that cargo reaches its final destination. Airlines get permission from authorities for this, allowing them to move cargo to and from international destinations via a network of international and domestic flights.At present, Pune has four direct international connections to Dubai and Bangkok. These are operated by SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India Express. The airport’s direct Air India connection to Singapore has been suspended until Sept 30 by the airline.“With Air India beginning imports, SpiceJet and IndiGo will start soon, too. It will be a good opportunity for many traders, and they should use it,” the senior airport official pointed out.Logistics experts, however, said that this was only the beginning and much more was needed. “While cargo imports have begun from Pune airport, they are not very well planned. They are tricky and require the involvement of many agencies, like Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for example. Also, international imports involve duty. The airport needs proper support from trade bodies, and must try to utilise its potential. If help comes, everyone will benefit as costing will be less than Mumbai. The cargo facility at the airport, however, needs further improvement,” Tushar Sutar, joint secretary of the Exim Integrated Club, told TOI.“A start has been made, and I hope the airport is able to capitalise on it,” he added.
