Kochi: With the Onam season driving a sharp rise in demand for Kerala’s fresh produce in Gulf markets, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has added a new dedicated freighter connection to Sharjah, even as the airport expects to handle nearly 1,700 metric tonnes of cargo through scheduled flights in a week.
The latest addition is IndiGo CarGo’s scheduled freighter service between Kochi and Sharjah, operated with an Airbus A321 freighter. The service has commenced with one flight a week and is planned to be increased to three flights a week, giving exporters an additional dedicated air-freight link between Kerala and the UAE.
The new connectivity comes at a time when Onam-related cargo movement is already picking up at CIAL. Between August 17 and 23, the airport expects to handle 1,678 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo through scheduled flight services, including 1,173 MT of perishables.
Fresh produce accounts for the bulk of this seasonal movement, reflecting increased demand in Gulf markets during the Onam period. The consignments include banana, small onion, beans, tury, drumstick, tindly, fruits, papaya, snake gourd, green mango and banana leaves.
“The cargo flow is expected to become heavier as Onam approaches its peak. CIAL expects around 300 MT each on August 21 and 22, followed by another 200 MT on August 23,” sources said.
While scheduled passenger flights are carrying a substantial share of the seasonal cargo, CIAL has also been witnessing additional movement through non-scheduled freighter services operated by National Airlines and IndiGo. These freighters have been operating from Kochi to destinations in the Middle East, providing additional capacity during the Onam season.
The new Kochi–Sharjah service will add a regular scheduled freighter connection to CIAL’s cargo network, complementing the non-scheduled freighter services that are already operating from Kochi to the Middle East.
The IndiGo CarGo service is expected to facilitate the movement of commercial and time-sensitive consignments from Kerala to the UAE. It will also give exporters access to Sharjah and onward connectivity to markets across the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
“For Kerala’s exporters, the timing is significant. The Onam season traditionally generates higher demand for fresh produce and other commodities among the large Malayali population in the Gulf, making speed and reliable connectivity particularly important for perishable cargo,” sources said.
CIAL handles a diverse range of air freight beyond seasonal agricultural produce. Its cargo facilities cater to perishables, seafood, pharmaceuticals, garments and other time-sensitive commercial consignments, with the airport continuing to expand its cargo infrastructure and airline network to meet the requirements of exporters and the wider trade and logistics sector.
CIAL Managing Director S Suhas said the new international cargo connectivity would provide greater opportunities for exporters and industries in Kerala to move their goods to Gulf markets. He also linked the expansion to efforts led by the Kerala government to develop Kochi as a major logistics hub.
The commencement of the Sharjah service on Friday was attended by CIAL Airport Director Manu G, Executive Directors Saji Daniel and Santhosh J Poovattil; CIAL Cargo Head Satheeshkumar Pai; IndiGo CarGo Vice President Vipin Kumar Mohla; Associate Vice President–Sales (West & South) Biju Shankar; Director–Cargo Operations (West & South) Jubilant Johnson; and Director–Sales (North & East) Satish Mishra.
The addition of the Sharjah freighter therefore comes as CIAL experiences a double boost in its cargo operations — seasonal demand is pushing up volumes, particularly of perishables, while new dedicated freighter connectivity is expanding the airport’s capacity to serve the Gulf markets.
