Thiruvananthapuram airport's domestic cargo jumps 41% with ornamental fish, rubber exports

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport's domestic cargo division now processes an average of 350 metric tonnes per month, driven by shipments ranging from ornamental fish to rubber stems destined for India's northeast.

The airport logged a 41% rise in domestic cargo handling during the first five months of FY 2026, 27 compared to the same period the previous fiscal year. Outbound freight includes flowers, chilled fish, ornamental fish, medical kits, courier consignments, post office mail and rubber stems.

Cross-country cargo movement

Rubber stems travel from Kerala to various northeastern states, sustaining the movement of plantation-related products across the country. Ornamental fish reach destinations including Delhi, Agra and Jammu.

Inbound commodities comprise medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, mobile phones, meat products, courier consignments, automobile parts, post office mail, lenses and other essential goods.

Multimodal logistics potential

The air cargo network enables quick and reliable movement of time-sensitive products, particularly supporting healthcare, agriculture and fisheries. The recent start of full-fledged Export-Import operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport is expected to further strengthen the region's logistics ecosystem.

The airport's proximity to Vizhinjam offers an opportunity to develop stronger air-sea cargo linkages, enabling businesses to choose the most efficient mode of transportation based on the nature and urgency of their cargo, airport authorities said.

With domestic air cargo witnessing strong growth and Vizhinjam emerging as a major international maritime gateway, Thiruvananthapuram is well positioned to develop into an integrated multimodal logistics hub, strengthening Kerala's role in the national and global supply chain, the authorities said.

Source: The Hindu