T’puram: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has recorded a 41% growth in domestic cargo handling during the first five months of the 2026-27 financial year, reflecting an increase in the movement of perishables, healthcare products, courier consignments and other essential commodities.The airport currently handles an average of 350 metric tonnes of domestic cargo every month. The growth was recorded compared with the corresponding period of the previous financial year.The airport handles a diverse range of cargo, including food products, seafood, medicines, medical equipment, courier consignments, rubber plants and ornamental fish. Rubber saplings are transported from Keralam to various northeastern states, while ornamental fish are sent to destinations such as Delhi, Agra and Jammu.On the inbound side, medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, meat products and automobile spare parts are among the major commodities transported to Keralam. The air cargo network facilitates the quick movement of time-sensitive goods, particularly those related to healthcare, agriculture and fisheries.“The strong growth in domestic cargo reflects the increasing confidence of businesses and logistics partners in Thiruvananthapuram Airport. From perishables and seafood to medicines, medical equipment and courier consignments, air cargo is playing an increasingly important role in supporting Kerala’s economy,” a spokesperson for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport said.The airport is also witnessing increased activity in courier cargo operations, with companies handling outbound consignments from Thiruvananthapuram in addition to inbound shipments. The expansion of courier and other cargo services is expected to provide businesses with more options for transporting goods efficiently.The airport authorities also see significant potential for strengthening air-sea cargo connectivity with Vizhinjam International Seaport, which has commenced full-fledged export-import operations.“With the emergence of Vizhinjam as a major maritime gateway, we see significant potential to further strengthen the region’s integrated logistics ecosystem,” the spokesperson said.The proximity of the airport to Vizhinjam could facilitate stronger air-sea cargo linkages, allowing businesses to select transportation modes based on the nature and urgency of their consignments. The integration of the two gateways is expected to create new opportunities for trade and logistics and improve connectivity for businesses in Kerala and beyond.
