Parliament Question: International Air Cargo Facilities in Punjab

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 715 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 ) INTERNATIONAL AIR CARGO FACILITIES IN PUNJAB 715. DR. AMAR SINGH Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the inadequate international air cargo facilities in Punjab despite the State's significant contribution to agricultural and industrial exports and if so, the details thereof; (b) the present status of the proposals for establishing dedicated cargo terminals, cold-chain facilities, customs clearance and warehousing at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh; (c) whether representations have been received from trade and industry bodies seeking direct international cargo connectivity from Punjab and if so, the details thereof, including the action taken thereon; (d) the reasons for the non-availability of dedicated international freighter services from Punjab; and (e) the steps taken to strengthen air cargo infrastructure, reduce export logistics costs and improve export competitiveness for farmers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and industries in Punjab? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (e) The development of cargo facilities is a continuous process and depends on various factors such as airport development progress, increase in scheduled operations, handling capacity, growth in domestic cargo volumes and demand from airlines. The Government's approach is to provide suitable policy and congenial regulatory regime, for the encouragement of infrastructure development, simplification of procedures, technological upgradation, and deployment of skilled manpower, all aimed at efficient and cost-effective air cargo services delivery.The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has established an International Air Cargo Facility, including a Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC), at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar. The facility is presently being operated by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited. Further, at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, which is operated by Chandigarh International Airport Limited, an Integrated Cargo Complex is available for cargo operations. The airlines initiate cargo operations based on their internal assessment of cargo potential, handling capabilities and overall commercial viability of operating from any airport. Further, the exporters, based on their commercial viability, requirements, utilize available air cargo facilities in accordance with various determining factors, including the destination country, airline operations, and the availability of direct or connecting services to the intended destinations. ******