Chennai’s air cargo terminals are witnessing prolonged delays, with exporters and freight forwarders reporting waiting times of several hours at AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS) and as long as four to five days at the AI Airport Services Limited (AIASL) terminal. The disruptions have prompted some shippers to divert cargo through Bengaluru to avoid delays.
The situation has intensified over the past two months amid increased air-freight movement linked to the prevailing Gulf situation, sources told businessline. Exporters across sectors including automobiles, electronics, textiles and perishables are increasingly considering Bengaluru and other gateways when delays at Chennai threaten shipment schedules, they added.
Trade Seeks Coordinated Action to Ease Congestion
Trade representatives have called for coordinated action by AAICLAS, AIASL, airlines, Customs, airport authorities and the police to streamline cargo movement and prevent further diversion of international export cargo from Chennai.
Industry members have sought urgent intervention, citing inadequate warehouse and ramp capacity, manpower shortages and traffic restrictions as key factors contributing to congestion.
According to industry representatives, airlines are accepting export cargo three to five days ahead of scheduled flights, partly due to uncertainty over receiving planned cargo and concerns around unused aircraft capacity. To address this, trade bodies have proposed a digital token system that would allow trucks to enter the terminal only within 24–36 hours of the scheduled flight. Priority could be assigned based on flight schedules and cargo cut-off times.
Traffic Restrictions Compound Cargo Movement Challenges
Traffic restrictions are further adding to the congestion, with cargo vehicles facing movement restrictions during peak hours, sources said. Industry representatives have sought exemptions for time-sensitive air cargo to prevent a surge of vehicles once restrictions are lifted.
While Customs has 24×7 export examination facilities, industry representatives said airlines and terminal operators also need round-the-clock manpower for cargo acceptance, weighment, scanning and handling.
The trade has also suggested shifting truck-based transshipment cargo to suitable off-airport facilities to free up space within the airport’s cargo terminals and improve the movement of export shipments.
Airport Points to Multiple Factors Behind Delays
Airport sources said the congestion has resulted from multiple factors and should not be attributed to a single operational issue. These include a surge in export cargo as shipments shift from sea to air, early cargo bookings by airlines and constraints on warehouse capacity.
Officials pointed to limited warehouse space as a key challenge, making it difficult for terminals to accommodate additional trucks during periods of heavy cargo movement.
The airport handled 33,737 tonnes of EXIM cargo in August, according to sources.
