ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has increased air cargo handling charges across all airports in the country for the first time in five years, ARY News reported on Wednesday. The new rates came into effect on July 1, as per an official notification issued early in the day.
Under the updated tariff structure:
- Charges for transporting pet birds have surged by 50%, rising from Rs200 to Rs300 per kilogram.
- Rates for shipping betel leaves have doubled, now set at Rs70 per kilogram.
- General cargo handling fees have gone up by 25%, increasing from Rs100 to Rs125 per kilogram.
The revised pricing also affects air freight charges for other pets such as cats and dogs, in addition to various items categorized as general cargo.
This adjustment follows broader economic measures, including a recent rise in fuel prices. The federal government increased petrol prices by Rs8.36 per litre for the next fortnight, bringing the cost to Rs266.89 per litre. High-speed diesel was also raised by Rs10.39, reaching Rs272.98 per litre, according to a notification from the Ministry of Finance.
The rise in air cargo rates and fuel prices reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to manage fiscal pressures, including the recently imposed climate support levy on petroleum products.
