Pune Airport Cargo Volumes Surge 43.9% to Over 45,000 Tonnes in Eight Months

Summary

Pune Airport handled 45,050.7 metric tonnes of cargo between January and August 2026, up 43.9% from the same period in 2025. Domestic cargo, which makes up almost all of the airport’s volumes, rose 43.5%, while international cargo more than tripled from a small base, reflecting rising demand from the region’s manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.

Article

Pune: Pune Airport cargo handling rose 43.9% year on year in the first eight months of 2026, according to figures cited by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol.

The airport handled 45,050.7 metric tonnes between January and August 2026, compared with 31,303.7 tonnes in the same period of 2025, an increase of 13,747 tonnes.

How did monthly volumes perform?

Cargo volumes rose in every one of the eight months. Monthly handling crossed 6,000 tonnes twice, with May recording the highest volume at 6,147.8 tonnes, followed by August at 6,046.8 tonnes.

How did domestic and international cargo compare?

Domestic cargo drove the growth, rising about 43.5% from 31,241.3 tonnes to 44,822 tonnes. Domestic shipments account for more than 99% of the airport’s total cargo.

International cargo grew far faster in percentage terms, though from a very small base. It rose from 62.4 tonnes in January-August 2025 to 228.7 tonnes in 2026, more than three times the previous year’s volume.

What did the minister say?

Mohol described the increase as “a positive indicator of the expanding economic and industrial capacity of Pune” and the surrounding region. He said the growth is expected to improve connectivity for local industries.

How does this compare with earlier performance?

The eight-month total already exceeds the airport’s full-year volume for 2024-25, when it handled more than 42,000 tonnes, up 11.8% on the previous year.

The airport has been setting operational records. Between 6 am on June 3 and 6 am on June 4, 2025, it handled 144 tonnes in 24 hours, its highest single-day throughput, comprising 72.73 tonnes inbound and 71.24 tonnes outbound. During the 2025 festive season, it recorded its highest inbound volume of 131.6 tonnes on October 9-10.

What is driving demand?

Pune’s cargo terminal is operated by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services (AAICLAS). Airport officials have attributed rising volumes to demand for air logistics from Pune’s manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors, which need fast deliveries to domestic and international markets.

The airport’s cargo mix has previously been reported as perishables at 30%, automotive parts at 20%, e-commerce at 20%, general cargo at 20% and pharmaceuticals at 10%.

Why does it matter?

Pune is one of western India’s largest industrial and automotive hubs, and stronger air cargo capacity helps manufacturers and exporters move time-sensitive goods without routing them through Mumbai. The surge in international volumes, though still small, suggests growing interest in direct air exports from the city. Sustaining this growth will depend on expanding cargo-handling infrastructure and adding freighter and bellyhold capacity on international routes.

FAQs

How much cargo did Pune Airport handle in January-August 2026?

Pune Airport handled 45,050.7 metric tonnes, up 43.9% from 31,303.7 tonnes in the same period of 2025.

Which month recorded the highest cargo volume?

May 2026 was the busiest month, with 6,147.8 tonnes, followed by August with 6,046.8 tonnes.

How much did domestic cargo grow?

Domestic cargo rose about 43.5% to 44,822 tonnes.

How did international cargo perform?

International cargo rose from 62.4 tonnes to 228.7 tonnes, more than three times the previous year’s volume.

Who operates Pune Airport’s cargo terminal?

The cargo terminal is operated by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services (AAICLAS).