Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.
(GHIAL), revealed
that the airport is witnessing strong growth in air cargo, particularly in
international shipments, driven in part by global disruptions such as the
ongoing Red Sea conflict, which has impacted maritime trade routes.“This fiscal year, we expect to handle
180,000 tons of cargo, reflecting a 20% increase over the previous year, with a
significant portion coming from international freight,” Panicker stated.
To support this growth, GHIAL is investing ₹215 crore in expanding the
existing cargo terminal and another ₹155 crore in developing a new terminal.
“The new terminal is expected to be completed by May and fully operational by
June or July,” he added. Meanwhile, the expansion of the existing facility has
already commenced.
The Hyderabad airport has established
itself as a key cargo hub, facilitating the efficient movement of
pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce shipments. The upcoming
infrastructure enhancements aim to further streamline cargo handling operations
and accommodate future growth in air freight.
GHIAL, which reported over ₹2,700 crore in operational revenue last
fiscal, is expecting over 10% growth, with cargo playing a crucial role in its
expansion strategy.