International cargo service in Madurai airport from April

Addressing the media, he claimed that many international flights from Madurai were unable to carry International cargo and their lower deck would always be free. The airport had been pleading with the government to give permission to operate International Cargo service since 2010. But, the permission was granted only in 2013. 

The Customs Department which had to handover the custodianship to the airport had been demanding proper facilities such as cold storage. But the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had informed the Customs Department that the facilities can be upgraded after commencement of the international services. Based on the assurance, a Certificate of Custodianship was handed over to the airport officials. The custodianship allows Madurai airport to deal with international cargo. 

As per plans, the international cargo handling service would commence in April, 2017. Over 600 acres of land is yet to be acquired for setting up a complete centre for international cargo with all the essential facilities. The State government had also been notified about it and the process of acquisition is all set to begin soon. Facilities such as cold storage are in the pipeline and would be implemented once the land is handed over to them. 

Apart from that, one more security certificate needs to be obtained to commence operations. Basic features such as CCTV cameras would be installed and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would inspect the facilities soon. Once the international cargo service commences there would be more international operators at Madurai. 

As a result, trade in the southern part would grow in leaps and bounds. Hope it would also see a drastic growth soon. More export-oriented industries are also set to make their entry into southern districts claimed Rao.