In the past seven months, not one metric tonne of cargo has been exported from the Pune airport. This delay in the commencement of the integrated cargo terminal has become a source of frustration for small traders and those in the business of .
Sources in the airport said while the new facility is ready, a nod from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which provides permission for such facilities to operate at any airport, is still awaited. A team of BCAS personnel visited the facility earlier this week. They looked satisfied with the arrangements. However, they need to give us official permission to start the operations from the new facility. Our job is done. It is up to the BCAS now, an airport official said.
Domestic cargo imports and exports as well as international cargo exports were stopped by the BCAS in January 2023 due to certain regulatory and infrastructural issues at the existing cargo processing area. Later, some airlines like SpiceJet and IndiGo, were permitted to transport domestic cargo. Permission for international cargo exports was not given.