Pune Airport is set to add two more international flights to its schedule in the coming days, bringing the total number of direct flights to four.
While passenger services continue to expand, the Pune airport's cargo import services have yet to take off.
Despite Pune’s growing importance as a commercial hub, a lack of adequate response from transporters and airlines has delayed the start of cargo imports.
Though cargo is currently being exported to destinations like Singapore and Dubai, the airport administration has not been able to secure sufficient commitment from logistics providers to begin import services.
The airport administration has prepared all necessary infrastructure to support cargo imports. Facilities such as a strong room for storing high-value goods (over $1,000), cold storage, and specialized arrangements for dangerous goods (DG) are in place.
Despite these provisions, no services have commenced, with only a few companies inquiring about the possibilities.
Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Manager of the Cargo Terminal, explained that while interest has been shown, actual operations have not yet begun.
"All facilities for cargo import-export services are in place at Pune Airport, but due to the lack of response from transporters, the import service has not started. There have been inquiries, but nothing concrete so far," he said.
Aviation expert Dhairyasheel Vandekar suggests that Pune Airport should focus more on utilizing dedicated cargo aircraft, rather than relying solely on passenger flights for cargo transportation.
"There is a need to prioritize cargo aircraft and actively engage with entrepreneurs to enhance import-export services. This would not only benefit businesses but also reduce costs and ensure timely availability of goods," Vandekar commented.
The potential benefits of an operational cargo import service are significant, particularly for small and large-scale businesses in Pune. With faster availability of goods, reduced costs, and lower prices compared to other cities, an efficient import-export system would provide a considerable boost to the region's economy.
International flights from Pune have seen gradual growth since 2005. The first international cargo flight took off on April 14, 2005, and was followed by the first passenger flight to Dubai on December 12, 2005. The next day, the first flight to Singapore took off.
