Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport operated by Adani Airport recorded an increase in cargo volume of 46 percent to 1900 tonnes in August of this year as compared to 1300 tonnes during the same month previous year.

For the April–August 2023 period as well, the cargo tonnage increased by 33 percent to 8400 tonne as compared to 6300 tonne in the same period last year.

Speaking on the cargo volume growth, a CCSIA spokesperson said, “The growth in the cargo volume is testament to the service provided by Lucknow Airport to its stakeholders. Lucknow’s airport is fast becoming a cargo hub as exporters from Kanpur and other neighbouring cities have started moving their items from CCSIA.”

At present, readymade garments, meat, fruits, and vegetables are a major part of exported goods, the spokesperson said, adding, “For domestic sectors, e-commerce, mobile phones, auto parts, and general cargo are major contributors to the growth of cargo volume from Lucknow Airport in August 2023.”

The inauguration of a new domestic cargo arrival facility by CCSIA in March of last year assisted the airport in raising its cargo handling capacity by 40% to 7000 tonnes annually. To increase the export of perishable commodities like meat, the airport has added a new 20-foot refrigerated container and a specialised temperature-controlled cool room.At the integrated freight facility, a separate cool room has also been created to preserve goods such fruits and vegetables.

The airport is also in discussions with a number of multinational corporations about using Lucknow as a regional distribution centre in the meanwhile.