Air cargo operations from Mangalore international airport would begin from May 1.
J.T. Radhakrishna, Director of Mangalore International Airport, said this while addressing members of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday evening.
He said the air cargo complex at the airport was inaugurated by the Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh on March 18. Initially, only belly cargo would be allowed on passenger aircraft. Depending on the potential for air cargo, special cargo flights could be thought of in future, he said.
Melwin D’Silva, Station Manager of Air India, Mangalore, said Air India Express (AIE) operates flights from Mangalore to all the major destinations in the Gulf region. Stating that AIE would be happy to carry cargo to these destinations, he said on average 1.5 tonnes of cargo can be carried on each passenger flight to the Gulf destinations.
Radhakrishna said Mangalore airport had recorded a 20 per cent growth in passenger traffic in 2012-13. The airport, which was operating three flights a day, is now operating 20 flights a day, he said.
Shreenivas Phani, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Mangalore, spoke on the modalities involved in the handling of air cargo.
Mohammed Ameen, President of KCCI, urged the members to make the best use of facilities available at the air cargo complex in Mangalore.