Air freight soars at Nashik airport with fourfold increase

Nashik Airport recorded a dramatic surge in air cargo traffic during Q1 of the 2025–26 fiscalyear, handling 2,416 metric tonnes between April and June—marking a fourfold increase over the 556 metric tonnes processed during the same period last year. According to Halcon, the airport’s cargo operator, 145 flights carried a diverse range of export goods including agricultural produce, poultry, and industrial materials to international markets. This represents the highest quarterly export volume since cargo operations commenced at the facility, a notable leap from just 34 cargo flights recorded in Q1 of the previous fiscal.

Halcon—a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Container Corporation of India (Concor)—reported that Nashik Airport handled 4,161 metric tonnes of cargo through 250 flights during the 2024–25 fiscal year. Looking ahead to FY26, the operator targets an ambitious uplift, aiming to move around 7,000 MT across 400 dedicated cargo flights.

Cargo volumes via passenger aircraft have also gained momentum, driven by enhanced air connectivity. A private airline currently connects Nashik to six major destinations: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Indore—bolstering the airport’s role as a growing logistics hub.

Between April and June 2025, Nashik Airport facilitated the transport of approximately 124 metric tonnes of cargo via passenger aircraft, including shipments of flowers, vegetables, auto components, and couriers. These goods were flown to major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, contributing to a growing trend in air freight via commercial flights. In comparison, passenger aircraft carried a total of 165 tonnes over the entire previous fiscal year.

The airline currently operates 232-seat Airbus A321s on routes to Delhi and Bengaluru, while using 180-seat Airbus A320s for Hyderabad and Ahmedabad services. In response to rising demand for cargo bookings, a dedicated office has been established at Halcon’s Air Cargo Complex near the airport—streamlining logistics and enhancing freight support.