Pune airport launches international cargo services with first imports

In a milestone for Pune Airport, international cargo imports officially commenced in June with the arrival of three consignments. These included electronic components for automobiles and fertiliser-related chemicals, shipped from London’s Heathrow Airport via Delhi through transshipment. All three shipments were transported by Air India. The third consignment—personal artefacts—was flown in directly from Bangkok, marking the airport’s entry into global cargo operations.

The journey to this milestone had met with some turbulence in recent years. In 2023, cargo movements at Pune airport were hit due to delays in clearances from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). As a result, between Jan 2023 and Jan 2024, there were zero movements of international cargo from the airport. Things have improved since then. Between April 2024 and May 2025, a total cargo (domestic and international) of 78,688 metric tonne (MT) was moved from the airport. Of this, just 169.2 MT was international cargo exports. To date, Pune airport has only recorded international cargo exports. These typically consist of auto parts and perishables like fruits and vegetables.

Back in 2018, former Pune airport had announced that the airport was approved for the transshipment facility. However, Air India used the facility for the first time only in 2024 to move an international consignment to Kuwait from Mumbai. Transshipment is useful for the transfer of goods from one mode of transportation to another, ensuring that cargo reaches its final destination. Airlines get permission from authorities for this, allowing them to move cargo to and from international destinations via a network of international and domestic flights.

At present, Pune has four direct international connections to Dubai and Bangkok. These are operated by SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India Express. The airport’s direct Air India connection to Singapore has been suspended until Sept 30 by the airline. Logistics experts, however, said that this was only the beginning and much more was needed.