Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), has written to the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, highlighting the serious challenges faced by exporters due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly the Iran–US conflict. He has requested the government to consider waiving demurrage charges on export cargo affected by the resulting flight disruptions.
In his communication to the ministry, Dr Sakthivel explained that the current situation in the Middle East has caused major disruptions to international flight operations. Airspace closures, route restrictions, flight diversions, schedule irregularities, and operational challenges at several overseas airports have significantly impacted the timely transportation of export cargo from Indian airports to global destinations.
As a result, many export consignments are currently stranded at cargo terminals across several Indian airports. According to AEPC, these delays have occurred due to circumstances beyond the control of exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, or air cargo agents.
Under the current tariff system followed by Cargo Terminal Operators (CTOs), demurrage charges are applied when cargo remains at terminal facilities beyond the allowed free storage period. However, AEPC emphasized that the present disruptions are the result of exceptional global developments affecting the air logistics network. Imposing demurrage charges under such conditions would place an additional financial burden on exporters who are already dealing with shipment delays, contractual risks, and market uncertainties.
Dr Sakthivel has therefore urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue appropriate directions to Cargo Terminal Operators, allowing a waiver of demurrage charges for export consignments that could not be dispatched due to flight cancellations, airspace restrictions, or other operational disruptions linked to the ongoing international crisis.
He added that such a measure would provide much-needed relief to the exporting community and help maintain stability and confidence in India’s air cargo trade during this challenging period.
