The GMR group-led DIAL said the Ministry of Civil Aviation has designated the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) as a major hub for import and distribution of medical supplies related to COVID-19.
Delhi’s IGIA airport has been handling 20-22 cargo flights per day during the coronavirus lockdown and it has also created a dedicated facility for logistics, aggregation and distribution of medical supplies, as per DIAL.
India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has infected more than 23,077 people and killed 718 people till now. All commercial passenger flights have been suspended for the lockdown period.
“A unique dedicated distribution facility has been made operational at the Delhi airport by the DIAL within a record time of seven days. This facility performs logistics, aggregation and distribution of large consignments of medical supplies, which are being imported to India.
At this facility, the first shipment consisting of 24 metric tonnes cargo arrived on Tuesday having 70,000 protective suits. Several such consignments are scheduled to flow in and get processed through the Delhi airport in the coming days comprising bodysuits, masks, hand gloves and goggles, the operator mentioned.
The Delhi airport has been handling around 20-22 cargo flights per day (including non-scheduled operations), with freighters operating between various destinations like Doha, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Incheon, the DIAL stated.