India has dispatched its first direct air cargo flight from Goa to Antarctica, marking a major milestone in polar logistics and boosting support for scientific research stations, reports the New York Times.

The flight, operated by DROMLAN using an IL-76 aircraft, departed from Manohar International Airport in Mopa, North Goa, carrying 18 tonnes of supplies including scientific instruments, medical kits and annual provisions.

The mission was flagged off by Thamban Meloth, director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), who said the initiative strengthens India�� self-reliant logistics and commitment to Antarctic research.

The cargo will reach Antarctica via Cape Town, South Africa, and support ongoing studies in glaciology, oceanography and climate science at Indian stations Bharati and Maitri.

The operation was made possible through collaboration with GMR Aero Cargo, Alpha Crux, Ultima Antarctic Logistics and South African partners. NCPOR leads India�� polar and Southern Ocean scientific efforts under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Officials said the direct route improves efficiency and reduces dependency on third-party logistics, enhancing India�� long-term presence and capabilities in polar research.