The international cargo terminal at Madurai airport is expected to become operational on December 15.

The airport was declared a Customs airport by the Union Finance Ministry in December 2010.

“International cargo handling at Madurai airport after so many years will be a boon to the region,” S Rethinavelu, Senior President, Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Madurai, said.

Sizeable quantities of vegetables, flowers, fruits, textiles/made ups, handloom products, engineering goods, medical equipment, granite icons and other products are exported from Madurai, Dindigul, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari.

“The monthly volume is around 150 to 200 tonnes. Since the facility will be available from the airport here, the volumes could go up significantly,” Rethinavelu said.

“We hope the Union Ministry of Agriculture will expedite the appointment of plant quarantine officials to certify perishable goods for export,” he said

He also stressed the need for inclusion of Madurai international airport in the bilateral air service agreement.

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