Record-Breaking 952 MT Cargo Processed at Guwahati Airport, Setting a New Benchmark
In a remarkable milestone, the Adani Airports-run GIAL domestic cargo terminal at Guwahahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) handled a record 952 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in July. This surpasses the previous all-time high of 841 MT, reflecting a 13.2 percent overall increase in cargo throughout the month.
The terminal's exceptional performance can be attributed to streamlined operational processes, a committed workforce, and a customer-centric approach. With continuous infrastructure upgrades, the GIAL cargo terminal is well-positioned to set even higher standards in cargo handling.
The growth was primarily fueled by a substantial 15.26 percent rise in inbound cargo volumes. Delhi and Bengaluru were the highest contributors to this increase. Outbound cargo saw a 5.24 percent growth, with Agartala and Imphal emerging as the top-performing sectors.
The growth in cargo handling at LGBIA is driven by several key factors. Guwahati serves as the primary air logistics hub for the entire Northeast, catalysing increasing cargo volumes due to regional demand and cross-border trade potential.
The government and private sector are investing in integrated logistics parks and cold chain facilities near Guwahati, enhancing storage, processing, and distribution capabilities directly connected with the airport. This improves cargo handling efficiency and reduces dwell time.
Tier 2 and 3 cities including Guwahati have seen rapid expansion in warehousing and logistics capacity, facilitating deeper market integration and more frequent cargo flows through airports like LGBIA.
Government initiatives and infrastructure upgrades, such as PM Gati Shakti and the construction of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks, encourage improvements in air cargo infrastructure. Ongoing airport terminal expansion at Guwahati supports higher cargo and passenger throughput.
The airport’s double-digit growth in aircraft movements and passengers (1.81 million in Q1 FY25) supports more frequent cargo flights and connectivity to major metro cities, further boosting cargo volume handled.
Investments in technology and airport services streamline cargo acceptance, customs clearance, and transfer procedures, contributing to smoother overall operations.
The GIAL cargo terminal's performance facilitates economic growth and connectivity across the Northeast region of India. Its enhanced operational efficiency and growing reliability as a logistics hub in Northeast India were highlighted by the significant increase in inbound cargo. The terminal's operational excellence reflects an ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding stakeholder expectations.
In conclusion, the GIAL cargo terminal at LGBIA is steadily cementing its position as a leading cargo gateway for Northeast India, underpinned by strategic location, development of multi-modal logistics infrastructure, growth in regional supply chains and warehousing, government initiatives, increasing passenger and aircraft movements, and enhanced services and technology.
The significant increase in cargo handling at the GIAL cargo terminal can be linked to economic growth in the industries, especially the aerospace sector, as Guwahati's geographical advantage and expanding multi-modal logistics infrastructure foster regional supply chains. Furthermore, the terminal's finance department plays a crucial role in managing the surge in both inbound and outbound cargo volumes, ensuring seamless operations and driving the growth of the local economy.
