Sky’s the Limit: Air Cargo Surges as India’s Sea Routes Falter

India's air freight industry is seeing a spectacular surge as exporters and logistics players rush to maintain supply chains as a major disruption in conventional transit routes comes into effect. With shipping taking as long as 70 days owing to continued disruptions—most prominently the Red Sea crisis—exporters are finding themselves resorting to air freight, even though it is more expensive. The change is most evident in Gujarat, where air freight volumes have rocketed by 33% over a six-month period, with major sectors such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals driving the trend.

This sudden shift has encouraged airlines and airports to increase capacity and invest in new infrastructure. Large carriers are increasing their freighter fleets, and government programs such as the Krishi Udan and incentive schemes are further driving the air cargo boom. Industry leaders believe this is a turning point, with India's geographical advantage and booming e-commerce industry setting the stage for long-term growth.

Although the present air cargo boom is a function of crisis, many experts are of the view that it could be a permanent revolution in India's logistics industry—making India a full-fledged cargo superpower even when sea routes stabilize.

Source: Times of India, CargoConnect, Economic Times