Ahmedabad airport’s new cargo terminal emerges as key freight hub

By Admin

26 Aug, 2025

The newly inaugurated Integrated Cargo Terminal (ICT) at Ahmedabad airport has quickly transformed the city’s logistics landscape, positioning itself as a critical freight gateway for western India. Within just a month of operations, the ICT has already handled nearly 70% of the city’s international cargo traffic, processing around 5,000 metric tonnes of international freight along with a similar volume of domestic shipments.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

Spread across 21,000 sq. m. with expansion potential up to 33,000 sq. m., the ICT represents a major leap forward from the airport’s older and capacity-constrained facilities. Designed with a focus on efficiency, the terminal offers faster turnaround, seamless connectivity, and robust compliance with international safety norms. This modern infrastructure ensures cargo handling meets the requirements of global airlines and exporters alike.

Airlines Rapidly Shifting to ICT

Major international carriers such as Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines have already transitioned their cargo operations to the ICT. Leading domestic players, including Blue Dart and SpiceJet, are also preparing to shift their handling to the new facility. This swift adoption underscores the confidence of the aviation industry in the ICT’s capabilities.

Rising Throughput and Future Capacity

Ahmedabad airport handled approximately 60,000 MT of cargo in FY25, with 20,000 MT moved between April and July this fiscal alone. With the ICT in place, throughput is expected to rise substantially. In the long term, the facility is projected to handle up to 200,000 MT of cargo per month, reinforcing Ahmedabad’s strategic role in India’s cargo network.

Diverse Cargo Handling Capabilities

The ICT caters to a wide variety of cargo types, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, courier shipments, and engineering exports. This versatility is vital for Gujarat’s economy, where industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and engineering goods are major growth drivers in the export sector.

Boost to Gujarat’s Export Economy

The cargo upgrade comes at a crucial time when Gujarat’s export-oriented economy continues to expand. By offering faster processing and improved connectivity, the ICT will significantly enhance trade facilitation, support exporters, and strengthen Ahmedabad’s position as a logistics hub for western India.

Conclusion

The Integrated Cargo Terminal at Ahmedabad airport is more than just an infrastructure upgrade it is a catalyst for growth in Gujarat’s trade and logistics ecosystem. With its modern facilities, international safety compliance, and ability to handle diverse cargo, the ICT is set to redefine freight movement in the region. As cargo volumes continue to rise, the terminal will play a pivotal role in boosting exports and shaping Ahmedabad’s future as a key logistics hub.