How is Tiruchirappalli International Airport becoming a key air cargo hub?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) saw a 10% rise in international cargo, from 540 MTs to 590 MTs, driven by a new transhipment facility and expansion plans.
Key Takeaways
- •International cargo traffic at Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) rose by 10%, increasing monthly volume to approximately 590 MTs.
- •TRZ commissioned its first-ever transhipment facility in October 2025, which helps reduce freight costs and consolidate cargo for multiple destinations.
- •The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning a new 200 MTs/month domestic cargo terminal and activating a long-delayed International Courier Facility under a PPP model.
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) has achieved significant international cargo growth.
The airport authority reported a notable 10% increase in traffic. Monthly volumes rose from 540 metric tonnes (MTs) to about 590 MTs. This growth strengthens TRZ's role as a key logistics hub. It serves central Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions.
Strategic Infrastructure Milestones
TRZ recently commissioned its first-ever transhipment facility. This strategic milestone became operational on October 13, 2025. The facility allows cargo transfer between aircraft. This happens at an intermediate hub like TRZ. Consignments can be consolidated for multiple destinations. This system helps reduce overall freight costs. It optimizes load management for carriers. It provides critical connectivity for many city pairs. This especially benefits tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This aligns with recent national policy shifts. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) waived transshipment permit fees in April 2025. This waiver aims to boost trade facilitation.
Future Capacity and Connectivity
To meet rising demand, TRZ is planning expansion. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) operates the airport. A full-fledged domestic cargo terminal is planned. It will have a projected capacity of 200 MTs per month. This new terminal will integrate with the existing international complex. The existing international cargo terminal was converted from the old passenger terminal in 2011. The new domestic facility benefits from strong multimodal connectivity. This includes access to NH-83 and NH-38. Its proximity to major ports is also a benefit.
Activating Courier Services
An International Courier Facility is also set for activation. It was notified in 2022 but remained non-operational. It will now be activated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. This uses an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract. Once operational, it will serve regional businesses and individuals. They can dispatch time-sensitive documents and parcels. Destinations include Southeast Asia and Gulf countries. This offers faster, cost-effective alternatives. It bypasses indirect routing via major metro hubs. This is a critical service for regional commerce.
Industry Impact and Outlook
The collective projects signal a major transformation. Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is becoming a comprehensive cargo hub. These upgrades strengthen logistics infrastructure. This is vital for central and southern India's economy. The new transhipment capability is a competitive advantage. It positions TRZ against larger, more congested hubs. The overall strategy focuses on optimized load management and direct connectivity. This makes TRZ a more attractive option for cargo airlines. The airport's growth highlights the potential of India's non-metro airports. They can drive regional and international trade.
- 10% International Cargo Growth: Monthly volume increased from 540 MTs to 590 MTs.
- New Transhipment Facility: Operational since October 2025, reducing freight costs and transit times.
- Planned Domestic Terminal: A 200 MTs/month capacity terminal will integrate with the international complex.
- PPP Courier Activation: The International Courier Facility will soon offer direct services to the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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