INDIA: Cargo Charter Flights by Overseas Operators Limited to Six Airports

Ad hoc and non-scheduled freighter charter service flights by overseas carriers have been restricted to just six of the country’s airports, according to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The move is believed to be intended to maximise the air cargo handling opportunities for domestic operators.

The six airports specified in the DGCA’s circular are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. While, in theory, overseas operators are entitled to apply for special clearance to fly from other facilities, there is no guarantee this will be granted. This is despite the fact that many traders freighting perishable/time-sensitive goods from areas not in easy reach of one of the designated facilities have already made clear their dissatisfaction with the new arrangement.