Chennai air cargo terminals face congestion, industry calls for coordinated solution

Chennai’s air cargo terminals are facing prolonged delays, with exporters and freight forwarders reporting waiting times of several hours at AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS) and up to 4-5 days at the AI Airport Services Limited (AIASL) terminal.

Some shippers are diverting cargo through Bengaluru to avoid delays. The problem has particularly intensified over the past two months amid increased air-freight movement linked to the prevailing Gulf situation, sources told businessline.

As a result of the disruptions, exporters in sectors including automobiles, electronics, textiles and perishables are increasingly considering Bengaluru and other gateways when delays threaten shipment schedules, they add.

Trade members have called for coordinated action by AAICLAS, AIASL, airlines, Customs, airport authorities and police to streamline cargo movement and prevent further diversion of international export cargo from Chennai.

They have sought urgent intervention, citing inadequate warehouse and ramp capacity, manpower shortages and traffic restrictions as major concerns. Industry representatives said airlines are accepting cargo three to five days before scheduled flights, partly because of uncertainty over receiving planned cargo and concerns about unused aircraft capacity.

To tackle this, they propose a digital token system under which trucks would enter only within 24-36 hours of the scheduled flight, with priority determined by flight timing and cut-off. Traffic restrictions are adding to the problem, said sources, adding that cargo vehicles face restrictions during peak hours.

They sought exemptions for time-sensitive air cargo to prevent bunching when restrictions are lifted. Customs has 24x7 export examination facilities, but industry representatives said airlines and terminal operators also need round-the-clock manpower for acceptance, weighment, scanning and handling.

The association has suggested moving truck-based transshipment cargo to suitable off-airport facilities to free terminal space. Airport sources said the situation has multiple causes and should not be attributed to a single operational issue.

They pointed to a surge in export cargo due to diversion from sea to air, early cargo bookings by airlines, and warehouse constraints. Airport officials cite limited warehouse space, making it difficult to accommodate additional trucks.

The airport handled a total of 33,737 tonnes of EXIM cargo in August, according to sources.