Cargo handling by Calcutta airport marked an increase of 1,140 tonne, whilst the cargo handling by all other three airports marked a decline. The total cargo handled for exports in 1998-99 by four major airports was 2,78,089 tonne while that for imports in the same year was 1,38,237 tonne.

The export of readymade garments was highest at 97,354 tonne and amounting to 35.01 per cent of the total exports through air freight. This is followed by miscellaneous goods at 61,011 tonne, amounting to 21.94 per cent of exports through airways. The exports of perishables including fruits and vegetables stand at 56,274 tonne amounting to 20.24 per cent of exports. The export of leather garments was 36,477 tonne amounting to 13.12 per centof exports.

No hazardous cargo was exported through these four major airports in 1998-99.Miscellaneous goods was a major item of item through these four airports. Imports of miscellaneous goods stand at 27,288 tonne amounting to 38.35 per cent of the total imports through airways. This is followed by imports of machinery spares which stand at 15,922 tonne and amounting to 22.38 per cent of total imports. The imports of electrical and electronic goods stand at 8,439 tonne amounting to 11.86 per cent of imports.

Mumbai airport was the largest exit point for exports with goods amounting to 1,17,465 tonne exported in 1998-99. Delhi airport comes next which exported 1,06,509 tonne of goods. Then is Chennai airport which exported 38,928 tonne of goods. Last is Calcutta which exported only 16,198 tonne of goods.

Mumbai airport is again the largest entry point for imports of goods. In 1998-99, 67,083 tonne of goods were imported. This is followed by Delhi airport which imported 44,069 tonne of goods. Next inthe order is Chennai airport which imported 19,780 tonne of goods. Last is Calcutta airport which imported only 7,306 tonne of goods.