In an effort to improve the trade and logistics profile of the northern Karnataka region, its first dedicated domestic air cargo terminal was made operational at Hubballi Airport on Wednesday (3 November).

The new cargo terminal is expected to be the base for this region and improve the supply chain of e-commerce companies.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited have carried out the conversion of the old passenger terminal building at the airport to a cargo terminal at an estimated cost of Rs 45 lakh.

“The formal inauguration will be done shortly. This terminal is spread across 1,000 sqm and has one time hold capacity of 100 MT and annual capacity of 15,000 MT are capable of handling general, perishable and other categories of goods. Request business people to make use of it,” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

“Dedicated storage space for valuables and dangerous goods, provision for commercial office space for freight forwarders, e-commerce and courier companies are available at the cargo terminal,” Pramod Kumar Thakre, director of Hubballi Airport, told The Indian Express.

“Depending on the demand, airlines like Indigo, Alliance Air and StarAir may operate cargo charters or freighters through this terminal,” he added.