India to establish dedicated mango export hub at Keshod Airport

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to transform Keshod Airport in Gujarat into a dedicated cargo and export hub for the region’s renowned Kesar mangoes. The new facility, to be completed by 2027 alongside the airport’s expansion, is aimed at streamlining export logistics and providing direct global market access for local growers.

Situated close to the major mango-growing districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli, Keshod lies at the heart of Saurashtra’s Kesar mango belt. Across 11 districts, nearly 40,000 hectares are devoted to Kesar cultivation, yielding approximately 280,000 metric tonnes annually. Despite holding a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, much of the produce is consumed domestically due to inadequate export infrastructure.

Between 2019 and 2024, Gujarat exported roughly 3,000 metric tonnes of mangoes, compared with over 40,000 tonnes from Maharashtra—largely due to superior connectivity through Mumbai’s airports. The long 800-kilometre road journey from Saurashtra to Mumbai has often led to delays and quality deterioration during transit.

Currently, the Talala Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC)—the main trading centre for Kesar mangoes—offers export-related services such as hot water treatment, grading, and packing. However, critical gamma irradiation facilities, required for exports to markets like the U.S. and Canada, are only available near Ahmedabad, nearly 300 kilometres away.

AAI is evaluating two operational models for the new facility: airlifting mango consignments to Mumbai for final shipment or setting up a seasonal customs clearance system at Keshod during the mango export season.

The airport’s overall expansion, estimated at US$43.5 million, includes construction of a new terminal capable of handling 800 passengers, extension of the runway from 1,371 to 2,500 metres, and development of a modern Air Traffic Control tower and technical block. Around 83 hectares of land have been acquired for the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2027.