KARACHI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has raised cargo handling charges across all airports in the country, with certain categories seeing increases of up to 100 times, according to an official notification issued early Wednesday.
This marks the first revision of cargo tariffs in five years. The decision, approved by the PAA’s executive committee, aims to align the charges with the growing operational costs of managing airport services.
Under the revised tariff schedule, the charge for transporting pet birds has been raised by 50%, from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per kilogram. Similarly, cargo charges on betel leaves, commonly shipped across the country, have been doubled from Rs 35 to Rs 70 per kilogram.
General cargo rates have also increased by 25%, moving from Rs 100 to Rs 125 per kilogram. The new tariff also includes air freight fees for pets like cats and dogs, along with various other items categorized as general cargo.
PAA officials defended the hikes, stating that the charges had remained unchanged for the past five years, despite rising service costs at airports.
The PAA, established as a public sector autonomous body in 2024, is responsible for managing and developing Pakistan’s airports and air transport services.
