NEW DELHI: Cargo has proven to be aviation's lifeline during the pandemic when passenger numbers have seen a sharp dip.
Delhi Airport last year saw cargo movement return to almost pre-Covid levels thanks to its strong international connectivity and being the nodal hub for sending pandemic relief material across the country.
IGIA last year handled 9.3 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, just short of the over 10 lakh MT in 2019. Last year's cargo movement was 27% more than 2020's 7.3 lakh MT.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) says while 6 lakh MT was international cargo, 3.3 lakh MT was domestic.
In pre-pandemic 2019, IGIA had handled over 10 Lakh MT in 2019, which was about 30% of the India’s total air cargo.
The key product categories handled last year include ready-made garments, electronics goods, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and automobile/machine parts.
In 2021, Delhi Airport handled over 25,000 cargo flights, more than the 9,900 seen in 2020.
"Last year, Delhi Airport witnessed an increase in connectivity to international destinations. In 2021, international connections from Delhi increased to 87 destinations from 71 in 2019," DIAL said in a statement.
The big international routes showing high recoveries last year included USA, Germany, France, UK and UAE.
Covid relief material have been among the biggest volume cargo items during the pandemic.
“In spite of major disruption caused by Covid in global supply chain last year, Delhi Airport registered a robust growth in cargo. It was possible due to airport’s strong international
connectivity and various initiatives taken by DIAL in collaboration with its stakeholders to maintain
smooth Cargo operations and driving recoveries to the pre-COVID levels,” said DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar.
