Imphal International Airport’s new integrated cargo terminal began operations on August 24, allowing all airlines to handle inbound and outbound cargo and increasing monthly capacity from 500 to around 1,500 metric tonnes.
IMPHAL — The newly constructed integrated cargo terminal at Imphal International Airport became operational on Monday, enabling all airlines operating from the airport to handle inbound and outbound cargo, officials said.
Airport Director (AAI) Chipemmi Keishing said the facility would significantly increase cargo handling capacity. “Earlier, only one airline operated in this sector. Now, all the airlines have also started to operate inbound and outbound cargo services,” he said.
The cargo services will be operated by Rahul Roadways. According to officials, the new facility is expected to raise monthly cargo handling from the present 500 metric tonnes to around 1,500 metric tonnes, giving a boost to trade and commerce in Manipur.
Imphal Airport, in a Facebook post on Monday, said all inbound and outbound cargo operations for airlines were being handled through the new Cargo Building from August 24, ensuring streamlined loading and unloading operations.
The expansion comes amid a sharp rise in passenger and aircraft movements at the airport. Imphal International Airport currently handles more than 16 scheduled arrivals and 16 scheduled departures daily, while total aircraft movements often exceed 50 a day, including non-scheduled flights, Keishing said.
The airport now handles around 3,000 arriving and 3,000 departing passengers daily and is connected to major metropolitan cities across the country.
In 2014, the airport handled fewer than 500 arriving and departing passengers each day, with only four arrivals and departures.
Several infrastructure projects have since been undertaken to meet the growing demand.
The new terminal, currently under construction, will cover around 22,000 square metres and feature four aerobridges, separate domestic and international arrival and departure areas, GRIHA 5-Star green building standards and parking facilities for about 1,000 cars and 15 buses. The existing parking area can accommodate only around 250 cars.