Delhi Airport or the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has been continuously operating the cargo terminal and other associated facilities to ensure seamless delivery of healthcare and medical supplies, amid the nationwide lockdown announced by the Prime Minister.
The freighters have delivered essential supplies such as masks, medicines and test kits.
“Cargo terminal and associated facilities at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) have been operating in full swing to support the Government of India in handling and processing essential commodities, especially healthcare and medical supplies,” informed Delhi Airport authorities last weekend.
At present, Delhi Airport handles 20-22 cargo flights per day (including non-scheduled operations), with freighters arriving from destinations like Doha, Paris, Hongkong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Incheon.
The authorities further added that the Air Cargo supply chain of Delhi has geared up during the lockdown period for handling a significant number of cargo freighters to be used for carrying essential supplies like masks, medicines, medical equipment, test kits, reagents and other supplies.
After the Prime Minister’s call for a nationwide lockdown on March 24, India had suspended all flights on March 24 in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus. This suspension was extended till April 14.
At present, the nation still awaits the centre’s formal notification regarding extension of the lockdown until the end of April.
The aviation sector has been tirelessly working to ensure timeless delivery of medical cargo and other essentials. Last Week, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had notified that over 184 tonnes of cargo was delivered across the country under the Lifeline UDAN initiative.
