In 2024, India’s international air cargo volumes experienced a significant surge, estimated at a 19% year-on-year increase, surpassing global and Asia-Pacific average growth rates. Overall tonnage at Indian airports grew by 14%, with domestic flows rising between 6% and 8%. An 8% increase in capacity further supported this growth.
Key Drivers of Growth:
- Sectoral Contributions: The pharmaceutical industry, e-commerce boom, and perishable goods exports were primary contributors to this record growth. The festive season further amplified the e-commerce surge, while agricultural exports, notably mango shipments, reached approximately 4,700 tonnes.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Major airports like Mumbai (CSIMA) and Bengaluru (BLR) led the growth, boosting international volumes by 17% and 23%, respectively. Capacity at these airports also increased, with Mumbai seeing a 7% rise and Bengaluru 14%. Delhi and Hyderabad airports reported capacity jumps of 7.7% and 18.2%, respectively.
- Airline Network Expansion: Carriers such as IndiGo and Air India have announced new capacity plans and commercial strategies to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities. IndiGo reported a record monthly cargo lift of approximately 37,000 tonnes in October and aims to build on this momentum into 2025. Air India’s recent 100-aircraft order with Airbus signifies its commitment to expanding cargo capacity.
Future Outlook:
The upcoming opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport, scheduled for early April, is anticipated to alleviate existing capacity constraints in Mumbai and further boost cargo flow. Industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the demand upswing and ongoing developments in infrastructure and airline networks.
Vineet Malhotra, co-founder and director at Mumbai-based Kale Logistics Solutions, noted, “This expansion is being fueled by a rising number of airports, government-led initiatives such as dedicated cargo terminals and multimodal connectivity corridors, as well as a booming e-commerce sector.” He emphasized the need for the industry to tap into its full potential, despite the positive growth indicators.
In summary, India’s air cargo sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by strategic infrastructure enhancements, airline network expansions, and a thriving e-commerce market. These developments position India as a burgeoning hub in the global air cargo industry.
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