Air cargo movements falter

 International cargo handled at the various airports across the country in the April-July 2003 period dipped 0.5 per cent over the corresponding period last year, according to data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

 In comparison, April-July 2002 witnessed a 18.7 per cent growth in cargo traffic movement.

 In April-July 2003, the airports handled 2,22,120 tonnes of cargo, which was 2.5 per cent lower than the previous year.

 Domestic cargo movements too did not fare well. The airports across the country handled 1,10,870 tonnes of cargo, which was a meagre 3.4 per cent rise over the same period last year.

 In comparison, April-July 2002 had registered a 17.4 per cent growth in domestic cargo handled over the same period last year.