International cargo operations have launched at Mangaluru International Airport in Karnataka, approximately one year after the initiation of domestic cargo services in May 2023. This development aims to facilitate the export of perishable goods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, textiles, and shoes from coastal Karnataka and Kerala through belly cargo.

The start of international cargo operations will enable exporters from coastal Karnataka and Kerala and the hinterland to export perishables such as fresh fruits and vegetables, food, machine parts, textiles, shoes, tropical fish, frozen and dry fish in the form of Belly Cargo. IndiGo and Air India Express with their connectivity will enable exporters to send cargo to Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.

Since May 2023, the airport has handled approximately 3,706 tonnes of cargo, including 279 tonnes of inbound cargo and 3,426.8 tonnes of outbound cargo over the first 11 months.