India’s Air Cargo Thrives Amid West Asia Disruptions, with Chennai Airport Leading the Surge

In April 2026, the volume of air freight handled by Indian airports demonstrated resilience amidst the geopolitical crisis in West Asia. According to data from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), total air cargo increased to 3.48 lakh tonnes in April 2026, marking a 10% growth year-on-year from 3.15 lakh tonnes in April 2025. This growth was largely driven by an extraordinary 40% rise in international cargo volumes, with sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and e-commerce relying heavily on the air transport system to maintain supply chain integrity amid uncertainties. The month also saw a slight month-on-month increase from 3.43 lakh tonnes recorded in March 2026, the period during which the conflict began.

This growth has significant implications for both the common citizen and the market at large. Higher air cargo volumes suggest robust export demand and increasing cross-border e-commerce, making products available more reliably and quickly. For consumers, this translates to enhanced availability of goods, faster deliveries, and potentially lower prices in sectors reliant on air transport. However, air freight is considerably more expensive than maritime shipping—5 to 7 times more costly—indicating that while current growth is beneficial, it may also lead to increased costs for businesses that could eventually be passed on to consumers. Rerouting of trade flows away from disrupted maritime corridors has helped mitigate supply chain issues, allowing critical sectors to maintain operational continuity.

Looking ahead, the long-term outlook for air freight in India is expected to stabilize once maritime routes normalize. Analysts suggest that a portion of cargo currently transported by air will shift back to more cost-effective ocean transport, which might moderate air cargo growth rates. The government and the RBI will likely continue to monitor these developments closely, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting global trade. Emphasis on the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, especially in electronics and telecom, may lead to sustained investment in air transport infrastructure to support high-value, time-sensitive shipments. The emergence of Chennai as the fastest-growing airport reflects not only regional progress but also a potential blueprint for enhancing air cargo capabilities across the country.

Source: The Hindu

(Expert Note: This report was independently prepared by the Wealthova Economy team.)