Delhi airport: Transshipment hub for Bangladesh exports

Dhaka: Delhi airport is now operating as a transshipment hub for export from Bangladesh to other countries, since the first batch of transshipment cargo left for Spain on March 5, 2023.

The move is expected to significantly reduce shipping costs for manufacturers and suppliers, said reports citing the airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).

On February 7, 2023, DIAL received the green light from the Indian government to operate as a cargo transshipment hub for export cargo between Bangladesh and other global destinations.

According to a press release by DIAL, the first batch of transshipment cargo, which was dispatched from Dhaka on February 26, 2023, arrived at Delhi airport on March 3 and then departed for its final destination in Spain on March 5.

The transshipment cargo was transported from Dhaka to Delhi through the Benapole-Petrapol border between Bangladesh and India.

"Once the cargo left the Petrapol border after all security checks, the manufacturers tracked their shipment throughout its journey, including its arrival at the Delhi airport, during security clearances, and final uploading of cargo on the aircraft," the release said.

DIAL has created a dedicated truck docking facility and X-ray area for the swift transfer of cargo to their outbound locations. The move has increased the daily export of international cargo via Delhi airport, including ready-made garments, handlooms, footwear, leather products, jute products, and pharmaceuticals.

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said that with this initiative, Delhi Airport is on its way to becoming the international cargo hub of the world, serving as a transshipment centre between East and West.