Rajkot: Cargo services have officially taken off at Rajkot International Airport in Hirasar with the dispatch of the first outbound shipment on Tuesday. A 600 kg consignment of silver ornaments was dispatched through the passenger terminal, marking the beginning of operations. Since the airport’s cargo terminal is still under construction, authorities permitted temporary use of the passenger facility following persistent requests from logistics operators and jewellery traders.

A senior airport official confirmed that Air India launched outbound cargo services from Rajkot on Tuesday, while IndiGo will begin operations on Friday, August 29. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had granted clearance for this arrangement on July 23.

Rajkot, a key jewellery hub, exports nearly 10,000 kg of silver, gold, and imitation ornaments daily. Industry representatives said the new facility will reduce logistics costs and minimise theft risks linked to road transport. Mayur Adesra, president of the Gems and Jewellery Association, noted that direct cargo flights will cut delivery time by up to two days for the region’s 8,000–10,000 jewellery wholesalers.