Hyderabad airport handled 1.8 lakh metric tonnes cargo in 2024

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport handled a total of 1.8 lakh metric tonnes of cargo in 2024.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad handled a total of 1.8 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2024, marking a 22% increase over the previous year. This surge was driven by a 36% rise in international cargo, which reached 1.08 lakh MT, while domestic cargo grew by 5% to 72,395 MT, said a release from the airport authorities.

Hyderabad airport solidified its position as one of India’s premier hubs for high-value pharmaceutical shipments, which constituted 72% of the total exports. The airport also saw a surge in the movement of electrical and electronic items, along with engineering goods. The United States of America and Europe emerged as the top export destinations, accounting for 51% of outbound shipments.

Strengthening global connectivity

In 2024, RGIA expanded its international connectivity, serving over 20 global destinations through both passenger and freighter flights. Lufthansa Cargo enhanced its presence by deploying Boeing 777F freighters, providing greater control and flexibility in cargo operations. Ethiopian Airlines introduced two weekly freighter services between Hyderabad and Addis Ababa, establishing a direct connection to the African market.

Additionally, Qatar Airways increased its freighter frequency on the Hyderabad-Doha route from two weekly services to three, responding to the growing demand. Turkish Airlines also continued its scheduled freighter services, the release said.

Exports from Hyderabad reached key global markets, including the USA, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Australia and China.

Infra expansion

The release further said that to accommodate growing cargo volumes, Hyderabad Airport is undergoing infrastructure expansion. Cargo Terminal 1 is being upgraded to include a new domestic terminal, an international courier/express terminal, and a dedicated export perishables terminal to enhance operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, the construction of Cargo Terminal 2 is progressing, with Phase I expected to become operational this year. An extra 20,000 square feet of warehousing space is being developed within the RGIA cargo village.

“As a leading hub for cargo in India, we remain dedicated to developing world-class infrastructure, optimising processes, and enhancing our capacity to serve diverse cargo needs,” said Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited.