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About Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Cargo Airport

About Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Cargo Airport

Here’s a guide about the Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport for all business people dealing with export-import business. It is the country’s most recognised cargo terminal for its operational brilliance and infrastructure. Moreover, In the progressive or constantly developing world of international trade and logistics, air cargo terminals play a crucial role by supporting businesses in the safe cargo movement worldwide. Among them, Out of the growing and modern lists of international cargo airports,  RAJIV Gandhi International Airport Cargo Terminal ( RGIA) is in Shanshadbad,  closest to Hyderabad city (India).

It is a leading airport that augments import-export across the world through air cargo.  GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd operates it (Ghial).Besides boosting India’s economy through its cargo terminals, global agencies also rate the port as one of the best international airports for passengers. Furthermore, the airport’s cargo terminal also gained its name for its operational efficiency, modern state-of-the-art infrastructure, connectivity, and novelties. As a result, this blog decodes Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport deeply and provides insight into its different aspects, including container throughputs, infrastructure, customs code, emerging trends, FAQs, etc. In a nutshell, the objective of this blog is to unveil the key aspects of the cargo terminal in Hyderabad for logistic operators, businesses, and exporters or importers.

Customs Port  Code of Rajiv Gandhi International  Airport – INHYD4

Some USP’s of Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport

  • The airport boasts itself to be India’s 1st ‘Pharma Zone.
  • It also possesses India’s biggest cool container handling system and holistic cold-chain solutions.
  • GSDP-WHO and EU-RA3 Certified Global Facility
  • It specializes in dealing with large and irregularly shaped cargo.
  • The airport is among the most awarded airports for its excellent infrastructure and operational genius.
  • It is the fastest-emerging shipment hub for perishable cargo in India, with an array of products ranging from vegetables, fruits, seeds, Marine products, Poultry, etc.
  • The GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo Terminal at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the first integrated terminal in India, with an international Pharmaceutical and Domestic zone in one place.

Strategic Significance of RGIA, Hyderabad, India

Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport is purposefully located in South-central India to ensure the uncomplicated cargo distribution all over the country and outside. Furthermore, it serves as an important link between the eastern and western corridors and has immensely benefitted the industrial cities situated in its proximity. It has widely benefitted the manufacturing areas of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and  Karnataka.  

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport has direct flights to  Europe, North America,   the Middle East, and South East Asia. Specifically, Importers mainly use Furthermore, the airport for bringing in electronics, e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, and time-sensitive perishable goods.

Cargo Terminal Infrastructure at RGIA

Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo terminals are equipped with the latest technology for cargo handling. In addition, the airport possesses an expansive cargo terminal complex. Both domestic and international cargo movement uses the terminal. Let us take a look at the infrastructure of   the cargo terminal-

  • Distinct cargo terminals – the airport has separate domestic and international cargo movement terminals.
  • Separate handling centre for perishable goods–    Indira Gandhi International cargo Airport has a dedicated perishable handling centre with cold-chain capabilities.
  • Specialized pharma zones – the port has specialized pharma zones with temperature–controlled storage.
  • Capable of handling different items-The port features amenities for handling dangerous goods, valuables, express couriers, and general freight.
  •   Tracking amenities– The airport ensures real-time tracking amenities to update you with cargo status.
  • Digital documentation and e-freight capabilities—The airport provides paperless and digital documentation amenities and extends e-freight services.
  •   Warehousing- Assimilated Cargo Village for warehouse and freight forwarding services.

To send your cargo via Rajiv Gandhi  International cargo Airport timely, choose the best freight forwarder in India,  Falcon Freight.   For further assistance, contact us at +91-9311595648 or email us at [email protected]

Cargo and Container Throughput at RGIA, Hyderabad

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is a major cargo and container throughput hub. Moreover, the throughput figures in the last few years clearly depict its utility in international shipment.

Throughput Highlights (2024) – Total cargo handled in 2024 is 1, 80,914 (MT)
International Cargo: 108,520 MT
Domestic Cargo: 72,395 MT

Pharma exports for 2024 were approximately 72% of the total international cargo. It is also known asPharma Capital of India.
Total outbound shipments to the USA and Europe, with over 50 % of international exports from RGIA.

Container Throughput and TEU Estimate
Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport doesn’t disclose its cargo in TEU, unlike seaports. Analysts estimated TEUs based on cargo weight and the industry average, which shows that a 20-foot container can accommodate 21,600 kg of freight. Therefore, based on the total cargo volume, they computed Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Terminal’s estimated throughput for 2024 to be approximately 8,370 TEUs.

For hassle-free shipment from Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport, contact Falcon, India’s top freight and logistics service provider. Our contact information is as follows: +91-9311595648 or email us: [email protected]

Cargo Terminal Expansion

Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport, Hyderabad’s infrastructure is undergoing an expansion program to meet the surge in import and export in India. In fact in other words, the increasing international trade is why the cargo airport is under regular expansion. Specifically  the upgradation of cargo Terminal 1, and the building of new cargo Terminal 2 are on the papers. As a result consequently,  the airport’s operational efficiency is to be improved to accomplish the increasing cargo handling at the airport.

  • Advancement of cargo Terminal 1 –  the present terminal 1 is advancing to have the amenities of a domestic terminal,  export perishable terminal and  International Courier/ Express Terminals.
  • Cargo Terminal 2 – it is under development  with a motive to possess the following features:
    • domestic terminal
    • express cargo terminal & International courier and
    • Specialized perishables export zone  
    • Specialized pharma export area
  • Expansion in warehousing –  The expansion of the cargo village is also ongoing at RGIA to provide more space for cargo warehousing. Also, Officials have declared the expansion to be 20,000 sq.ft more than the present warehouse area at the airport’s cargo terminal.
  • Increase in capacity – following the warehousing space, the capacity of the airport to handle cargo is aimed to be increased by 4.0 lakh tons of cargo every year.
  • Introduction of automated material handling tools—The authority plans to adopt an automated material handling system, AI-powered logistics platforms, and the latest scanning technology for cargo management.

Sectorial Contributions to RGIA Cargo

Primarily, Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo Airport is a dedicated centre for numerous industries situated in nearby areas-

  1. Electronics and Engineering—Hardware, Exporters ship semiconductors and precision instruments as major commodities from RGIA cargo terminals. The terminal also handles packaging securely in anti-static zones. It also provides a holistic and secure packaging zone. 
  2. Pharmaceuticals exports—Hyderabad is home to more than 800 pharmaceutical firms. All exports are sent through IATA CEIV Pharma-certified facilities. It also possesses numerous temperature zones, for instance, +15°C to +25°C, +2°C to +8°C, and -20°C  for time-sensitive pharmaceutical products.
  3. Perishables and Agriculture—RGIA also boasts a perishable cargo centre, which facilitates the safe export of vegetables, seafood, fresh fruits, etc.

Technological Progressions

Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo airport is well-equipped with tech-based and digital processes to streamline air freight  operations:

  • Firstly, e-AWB (Electronic Air Waybill) implementation
  • secondly, Automated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
  • Thirdly, ULD management and real-time location tracking
  • afterwards, GMR Aero City facilitates multimodal connectivity for freight forwarding and bonded trucking.
  •   AMAX member-   Followed by above, the airport is also a member of Adani MIAL Exchange) community system, therefore, supports digitalized cargo handling across its stakeholders.
  • The airport is also part of AMAX (Adani MIAL Air Exchange)India’s first air cargo community system, which supports fully digital cargo handling across stakeholders.

Falcon Freight – Top Freight forwarder in India

Give holistic support to your import-export business by contacting the best logistics company in India, Falcon Freight. It has been a leading name in the shipping world for over 25 years and has, moreover, made significant support in the growth of the company; therefore, avail the freight forwarding and logistics services by Falcon to ensure the timely delivery of your cargo from Rajiv Gandhi International Cargo terminals and other airports. Furthermore, benefit your business by hiring the services of an expert freight forwarder, providing a one-stop solution for your shipping needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the customs code used for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport?

 It is used in all official export-import documentation submitted to Indian Customs. 

What types of goods are primarily exported from RGIA?

Pharmaceutical cargo exports from RGIA account for around  70% of its international export volume. Other major exports involve perishables, electronic components, engineering equipment, IT hardware, and textiles.

Total cargo handled by RGIA annually in 2024?

In 2024, 180,914 metric tonnes of cargo was handled at RGIA.

Conclusion 

To have a completely streamlined air freight operation from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, contact the top freight forwarder in Delhi, which provides end-to-end air and sea freight solutions worldwide. Our contact information is +91-9311595648, or you can email us at [email protected]