The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled a significant transshipment facility at Trichy International Airport, marking a transformative step for exporters in central Tamil Nadu. This strategic initiative provides enhanced options for local businesses to access international destinations and markets that were previously not directly connected through Trichy.
Streamlining Export Operations with One-Time Customs Clearance
This new facility facilitates a streamlined one-time customs clearance process, allowing exporters to dispatch their consignments directly from Trichy. Historically, due to limited cargo space and a restricted network of destinations, exporters have been compelled to transport goods by road to major airports for export—a cumbersome and time-consuming supply chain procedure.
Simplifying Freight Movement and Expanding Connectivity
Officials emphasize that the transshipment service will simplify freight logistics and establish fresh connectivity from the city. This development offers a competitive advantage not only for Trichy-based exporters but also for those from nearby tier-II cities, enabling efficient movement of products to global markets.
Exporters can now ship their consignments from Trichy on domestic flights, routing them through intermediate hubs such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, or Delhi. At these major airports, goods will be seamlessly transferred to international flights, broadening access to diverse global routes.
Overcoming Cargo Space Limitations and Enhancing Timeliness
An official at Trichy airport highlighted a key benefit: "Even if flights connecting Trichy airport run out of cargo space, exporters can opt for transshipment to send goods to the same destination through other major airports. They will get more options to move goods in time." This flexibility is crucial for maintaining supply chain efficiency and meeting delivery deadlines.
The facility is poised to support exporters in exploring new markets, including regions like Europe and America, thereby diversifying their international reach. Airport director S S Raju noted that Trichy airport has already achieved a notable 10% increase in international cargo tonnage as of December 2025, rising from a monthly average of 540 tonnes to 590 tonnes.
Trichy's Growing Role as an Export Hub
"The increase in international freight handled underscores Trichy airport's expanding role as a critical export hub for central Tamil Nadu," stated the airport director. This growth is further supported by the prevalent use of narrow-body aircraft for domestic flights from Trichy, which ensures ample space for freight movement.
Exporters have welcomed the transshipment facility for its potential to ensure prompt delivery, particularly for perishable items like vegetables and fruits. Mohamed Ashfaaq, a coconut exporter from Thanjavur, explained, "Instead of travelling to Chennai, a tedious process, exporters can get in touch with Trichy airport. Timely delivery will win us more customers and help us maintain quality."
Significant Rise in Export Cargo Despite Limited New Destinations
Although Trichy airport has not added many new international destinations in the past year, it has witnessed a substantial increase in export cargo handling. From 4,830 tonnes handled in the 2024-25 financial year (April to December), international freight rose to 5,342 tonnes in the corresponding period of the 2025-26 financial year—an increase of more than 10%.
This upward trend highlights the airport's evolving capacity and the positive impact of infrastructure enhancements on regional trade dynamics.
