Pune: The export of a single type of fruit and, similarly, of meat over the past three months has resulted in a major spike in international cargo exports out of the city airport. The trend began in Nov 2025, when the export of pomegranates to Dubai began on flights of SpiceJet and IndiGo. The very next month, sheep mutton started getting exported from Pune to Abu Dhabi thrice a week on the Air India Express flight. International cargo exports climbed from 0.50 tonne in Sept 2025 to 37 MT in Dec, showing a rapid and sharp rise. Pradeep Kumar, joint general manager (cargo) at Pune airport, said, “While the meat is being brought in from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar via an exporter, the fruit is being procured by another exporter from Baramati farmers. At present, only these two items are being exported. In Dec 2025, 37 tonne of international exports was recorded from Pune airport — its highest ever.” “Last year, we exported hapus (Alphonso) mangoes to Singapore, some vegetables to Dubai, and some sweetmeat items also to Dubai. However, the Singapore sector was closed down by Air India last year. Now, pomegranates are being exported for the first time ever,” he added. The export of sheep carcasses initially created some discomfort among loaders at the airport due to its packaging. “The meat is packed in muslin cloth, which gets stained with blood and has other issues. Initially, the loaders objected to this. Now, things have settled down,” Kumar told TOI. A meeting to find a permanent solution to this issue with all stakeholders, including the airline, is slated to take place soon, added sources. “International export of meat is happening from the airport for the first time, and we want it to continue without hassles. If there are any issues pending, they will be sorted out,” another airport official said. Last year, Pune airport recorded movement of 123.50 tonne of international cargo and 49,595.20 tonne of domestic cargo in total. Compared to 2024, cargo movements at the facility increased by around 24%. International cargo movements are typically centred on auto parts and miscellaneous items, including some perishables. Kumar added that they are looking for more exporters to enhance international cargo exports. “However, all international flights right now are going full with these items and no space is available,” he said. Another official said that, with slots available, if airlines occupied them and started new international flights from Pune, more cargo could be transported. “Pune still has 15 prime slots that are unused. Airport authorities have been speaking to all airlines, encouraging them to begin new flights. There is a chance that the Pune-Singapore flight can also resume, resulting in an increase in international cargo exports,” the official said.
