Auckland International Airport (NZE:AIA, ASX:AIA) said Monday that 5,251 tonnes of New Zealand salmon were air freighted to international markets via the airport in the year ended September, rising 4% year over year.

The export volumes through the airport increased with an average annual growth rate of 10% since 2017, the company said in a statement, adding that NZ$140.4 million in salmon exports were made through the Auckland Airport in the year ended September, jumping 14% year over year. The airport handled 80% of New Zealand's air freighted salmon exports.

Of the total, 3,445 tonnes of salmon were exported to the US, the company said. China, Australia, Japan, and Canada were also major destinations. China was the fastest-growing market for New Zealand salmon, representing 85% year-over-year growth for the year ending September.

The company started the staged opening of a new purpose-built cargo precinct on Manu Tapu Drive.

Auckland International Airport's shares fell nearly 1% in recent trading on both the Australian and New Zealand bourses on Monday.