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TIA sees rise in freight movement
International passenger traffic through Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) dropped last year for the first time in 13 years, but freight movement rose significantly as surface border points were strangled by the Indian embargo last year.International passenger traffic through Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) dropped last year for the first time in 13 years, but freight movement rose significantly as surface border points were strangled by the Indian embargo last year.
According to TIA statistics, cargo movement rose 23.61 percent to 24,513 tonnes in 2015. TIA was the only transit point to show an increase in cargo movement during the four-month embargo period (September-December) last year when all the other transit points had witnessed a decline. TIA figures show cargo imports via air transport amounted to 14,611 tonnes, while the exports were 9,902 tonnes.
Thai Airways topped the chart of cargo transporters. The carrier flew 5,694 tonnes of cargo during the period under the review, followed by Qatar Airways (3,265 tonnes), Dragon Air (1,744 tonnes), Air Asia (1,722 tonnes), Air Arabia (1,281 tonnes), Jet Airways (1,025) tonnes and Nepal Airlines (1,086 tonnes).
Cargo activities through TIA have fluctuated in the last 15 years, but have been more constant since 2011. In the last 15 years, cargo movements have dropped for five years.
Middle East carriers command a large share in terms of cargo movement in Nepal followed by South East Asia.
Ashok Kapali, managing director of Shangri-La Freight, said cargo movement by air jumped significantly last year due to the trade embargo. Shippers said exports and imports through TIA would have been even higher if there were regular flights. Airlines had to slash frequency due to a fuel shortages, while even fewer flights were available to exporters.
“Majority of imports were made from China,” said Kapali. Telecom equipment, computer accessories and household goods were the major imported items from the northern neighbour.
Due to Thai Airways largest connectivity with China, imports through the carrier surged drastically as airlines from China were unable to fly goods due to shortage of aviation fuel in Nepal, he said.
Jet fuel crisis had forced China Southern airlines to suspend its flight to Nepal. Besides, as Thai also accepts transporting goods like mobile batteries, laptops and other electronic devices, its cargo volume stood at the top among all carriers, Kapali said. “Due to the cost factor and wide connectivity, Qatar Airways has also been a preferable carrier to send goods to and from Nepal.”
Carpet, readymade garments, coffee, handicraft and organic vegetables are the major export commodities from Nepal. Kapali said carpet, statue and rudraksha exports to China have been on the rise. Organic vegetable exports to Singapore have also started to increase. According to the Department of Customs, Gutkha is particularly exported to the Middle East where Indians are the main customers.