Nashik Airport's Cargo Operations Soar with 100% Growth in FY 2025-26
In a remarkable achievement, Nashik Airport has recorded a significant surge in its international air cargo handling, managing over 9,000 tonnes through 500 cargo flights during the financial year 2025–26. This represents a doubling of volume compared to the 4,100 tonnes handled via 250 flights in the 2024–25 fiscal period, highlighting a rapid expansion in export activities from the region.
Exponential Growth from Previous Years
The growth trajectory is even more striking when viewed against earlier data. In the 2023–24 financial year, Nashik Airport processed a modest 415 tonnes through just 25 flights. Officials from HALCON, the joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Container Corporation of India that oversees air cargo operations at the airport, confirmed that they surpassed the 9,000-tonne milestone ten days before the fiscal year's end. They project that the total will exceed 10,000 tonnes by March 31, 2026, underscoring the airport's rising prominence in logistics.
Diverse Export Portfolio Drives Volume
The bulk of outbound cargo from Nashik Airport comprises a wide array of products, including:
- Agricultural goods such as grapes and other produce
- Poultry products for international markets
- Defence consignments supporting strategic exports
- Industrial goods spanning various sectors
In recent months, pharmaceutical exports have also commenced from the airport, adding to the diversity of commodities shipped. HALCON officials emphasize that their handling and operational charges are substantially lower than those at Mumbai airport, making Nashik an attractive hub for exporters. They note the enormous potential for expanding exports of a broad range of items from the Nashik region.
Impact of Global Conflicts on Operations
Despite the impressive growth, operations faced temporary disruptions due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Cargo services to Gulf countries were suspended for nearly eight days this month as tensions escalated, with incidents such as Israel's actions against Tehran and Iran's claims of strikes affecting regional stability. However, HALCON sources confirm that air cargo services from Nashik Airport have now resumed, and efforts are underway to push exports to as many international destinations as possible, mitigating the impact of geopolitical challenges.
This resilience in the face of global adversity positions Nashik Airport as a key player in India's export landscape, with continued expansion anticipated in the coming years.
