Trichy exporters urge AAI to improve facilities at the airport

The Export Import Federation Trichy (EIFT) has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to enhance export facilities as the district administration completes land acquisition for the expansion of Trichy International Airport. The international airport currently exports around 20 metric tons (MT) of commodities daily, and exporters believe that with upgraded infrastructure they could double this volume within a month. The EIFT welcomed the acquisition of 455 acres to extend the airport’s shorter runway after 14 years but emphasised the need for AAI to address exporters’ concerns. One key demand is extending the operating hours of the plant quarantine station, which currently closes at 4.30 pm. This office certifies perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits for export. Trichy has over 160 exporters, primarily shipping vegetables, fruits and flowers to destinations like Malaysia, the UAE, Oman and Singapore, as per a report.