Mid-East flight halt cuts Trichy exports by 37%

Trichy: Suspension of flight services between Trichy and key Middle East destinations for over 20 days has led to a sharp 37% drop in export cargo handled at the airport, hitting exporters of vegetables and flowers. With no immediate signs of resumption, many are now scouting alternative markets amid continuing uncertainty following the Iran–Israel conflict.Flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Muscat have remained cancelled since Feb 28 due to unrest and airspace restrictions. On average, four to six international services a day have been suspended, disrupting exports to the UAE and Oman. Limited cargo space on flights from metro airports, coupled with the difficulty of transporting perishables by road to distant hubs, has further constrained exporters. Exporters in the Trichy region estimate losses of Rs 2–5 lakh per head over the past 20 days. With few options, many are diverting high-quality produce to local markets at lower prices. "Ramzan season will see peak demand for flowers, especially jasmine. From supplying two tonnes of cargo per day, our export volume has dropped to one tonne a week. Lack of flights from Trichy will increase logistics costs. We are exploring US and UK markets to offset the loss," said Vasantha Kumar, a flower exporter with the Export Import Federation of Trichy. Airport data reflects the impact. Cargo throughput fell from 520.9 tonnes between Jan 28 and Feb 18 to 324.5 tonnes between Feb 28 and March 18. "Over 37% fall in export cargo has been recorded. Export potential from Trichy airport was improving in recent months, but the conflict has had a clear impact," airport director SS Raju said. Despite steady demand in the UAE for Indian vegetables, fruits and flowers, exporters are struggling to secure viable freight options. "We are exploring markets in the Maldives and Europe. Finding buyers is tough, but we must adapt to sustain business," said V Anand, a vegetable exporter. The disruption has also affected passenger traffic, with the airport recording about a 20% decline in footfall since the conflict.