The India air cargo market size reached around USD 14.22 Billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% between 2026 and 2035 to reach nearly USD 24.99 Billion by 2035. The market growth can be attributed to India’s export potential, the expansion of the logistics sectors, increasing investments in modernising airport infrastructure, and the rising volume of international trade.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Airlines in India are attempting to expand their cargo handling capacities amid the thriving landscape of international trade, the flourishing e-commerce sector, increasing government investments in airport and logistics infrastructure, and the rising demand for high-value, low-volume goods such as perishables, medicines, and electronic goods. For instance, Air India aims to achieve a 300% growth in cargo handling capacity within the next 5 five years by leveraging Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
In 2023-24, over 3.36 million tons of air cargo were handled at Indian airports due to the rapid growth of domestic and international trade. The increasing volume of cargo is driving the need for the modernisation of cargo handling facilities in airports, hence surging investments in automation, technology, and infrastructural development.
The expansion of fleet sizes by Indian air cargo transporters amid the increasing trade activities and the robust growth of the e-commerce sector is favourably impacting the India air cargo market dynamics. Reportedly, as of 2024, Indian carriers had around 18 freighters. With the expansion of fleets, air cargo companies are expected to efficiently handle the rising volume of time-sensitive and high-value, improving service reliability and delivery timelines.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
5.8%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
|
India Air Cargo Market Report Summary |
Description |
Value |
|
Base Year |
USD Billion |
2025 |
|
Historical Period |
USD Billion |
2019-2025 |
|
Forecast Period |
USD Billion |
2026-2035 |
|
Market Size 2025 |
USD Billion |
14.22 |
|
Market Size 2035 |
USD Billion |
24.99 |
|
CAGR 2019-2025 |
Percentage |
XX% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 |
Percentage |
5.80% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Region |
West and Central India |
6.6% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Region |
East India |
6.2% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Service |
Express |
6.9% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Destination |
Domestic |
6.3% |
|
Market Share by Region 2025 |
South India |
22.3% |
In 2023, the volume of domestic cargo transported by scheduled airlines totalled around 698 TMT. This was attributed to the growth of both dedicated freights transported by specialised planes and belly cargo transported by passenger aircraft. By 2030, the volume of air cargo is expected to rise to 10 million tons. This has prompted India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation to bolster its infrastructure development efforts, alongside the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Ongoing government efforts for infrastructure development and the creation of new air cargo terminals, including dedicated, integrated, and multimodal facilities, are bolstering the India air cargo market development.
By 2030, the e-commerce industry is expected to attain a size of USD 350 billion in India, which can expedite the demand for efficient and swift air cargo delivery services. Besides, as India bolsters its domestic vaccine and generic drug production capabilities, its pharmaceutical exports are expected to rise steadily. By 2030, the India pharmaceuticals industry is expected to reach a size of USD 130 billion, which is expected to increase the India air cargo market revenue in the coming years. Moreover, the growth of India’s agricultural sector is expected to surge the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables, thereby driving the market growth.
Modernisation of airport infrastructure; increasing focus on cold chain logistics; improving turnaround times; and rising smartphone exports are the major factors favouring the India air cargo market growth.
Many Indian international airports, such as those based in Mumbai and Bangalore, are focusing on increasing their cargo handling capacity. For instance, Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore) is planning to expand its cargo handling capacity from 420,000 tons to 500,000 tons.
With rising demand for temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, and fresh produce, Indian air cargo operators are investing in advanced refrigeration, tracking systems, and specialised containers. This is one of the key India air cargo market trends which not only supports the growing pharmaceutical and agriculture exports but also positions India as a reliable player in the global cold chain market.
India’s air cargo sector constitutes a 10% share in domestic carriers’ revenues. To further boost their international competitiveness and consumer appeal, major companies are focusing on reducing their turnaround times for air cargo, which is creating a favourable market outlook.
Soaring commercial end uses of air cargo
Commercial end use of air cargo dominates the market landscape, which can be attributed to rapid industrial development and expansion of the retail sector. Improvements in supply chain efficiency have fuelled the demand for air cargo services from various commercial sectors including trade and logistics. This is one of the key India air cargo market trends.
Expansion of Indira Gandhi International Airport’s infrastructure
In 2024, Indira Gandhi International Airport (of Delhi) handled a massive cargo volume of over 900,000 tons in February 2024. It is making substantial investments to further increase their cargo handling capabilities and streamline its operations, including the installation of 28 dual-view X-ray machines to ensure secure transportation of international general cargo. This is expected to lead to India air cargo market expansion. Furthermore, the IGIA has a capacity of handling 1.8 million tons, which can be expanded to over 2.5 million tons. This positions it as one of the leading airports equipped to handle the increasing volumes of air cargo.
The EMR’s report titled “India Air Cargo Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Breakup by Service
Breakup by Destination
Breakup by End Use
Breakup by Region
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by | Region |
| West and Central India | 6.6% |
| East India | 6.2% |
| North India | XX% |
| South India | XX% |
Based on region, the market is segmented into East India, West and Central India, North India, and South India. Over the forecast period of 2026-2035, West and Central India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% due to the expansion of its existing cargo handling capacities. East India is expected to register a CAGR of 6.2% due to the establishment of new airport infrastructure.
Based on service, the market is divided into mail, freight, and express. The India air cargo market analysis suggests that the demand for express is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% between 2026 and 2035 due to the growth of e-commerce industry and the increasing demand for reliable shipping solutions for the transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Major market players are expanding their air cargo networks and improving infrastructure to drive growth. By bolstering investments in automation solutions and advanced tracking systems, companies are also enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, thereby driving the India air cargo market expansion.
Blue Dart Express Limited was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is regarded as one of South Asia's most premier logistics company, which offers reliable and secure delivery of various consignments across 56,000 locations in India and 220 countries worldwide.
FedEx Corp. was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Tennessee, United States. It is a freight company that transports around 14.5 million packages daily.
Delhivery Limited was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. It is India’s biggest 100% integrated logistics services providing company. It specialises in providing storage solutions and supply chain management services for cargo.
A.P. Moller – Maersk was founded in April 1904 and is headquartered in Denmark. It is an integrated transportation and logistics company with operations in over 125 countries.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players included in the India air cargo market report are Deutsche Post AG, DB Schenker, CEVA Logistics, DSV A/S, United Parcel Service of America, Inc., and NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., among others.
Upto 15% Off
USD
$2499 $2249
$3999 $3599
$4999 $4249
$5999 $5099
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
Get in touch with us for a customized solution tailored to your unique requirements and save upto 35%!
In 2025, the market reached an approximate value of USD 14.22 Billion.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% between 2026 and 2035.
The market is estimated to witness healthy growth in the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of around USD 24.99 Billion by 2035.
The different regions considered in the market report include East India, West and Central India, North India, and South India.
The different air cargo services in India are freight, express, and mail.
The different segments considered in the market report are international and domestic.
The different end uses of air cargo include private and commercial.
Key players in the market are Blue Dart Express Limited, Deutsche Post AG, DB Schenker, CEVA Logistics, DSV A/S, FedEx Corp., United Parcel Service of America, Inc., NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., Delhivery Limited, and A.P. Moller – Maersk, among others.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
|
| Breakup by Service |
|
| Breakup by Destination |
|
| Breakup by End Use |
|
| Breakup by Region |
|
| Market Dynamics |
|
| Competitive Landscape |
|
| Companies Covered |
|
Datasheet
One User
USD 2,499
USD 2,249
tax inclusive*
Single User License
One User
USD 3,999
USD 3,599
tax inclusive*
Five User License
Five User
USD 4,999
USD 4,249
tax inclusive*
Corporate License
Unlimited Users
USD 5,999
USD 5,099
tax inclusive*
*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*
Flash Bundle
Small Business Bundle
Growth Bundle
Enterprise Bundle
*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*
Flash Bundle
Number of Reports: 3
20%
tax inclusive*
Small Business Bundle
Number of Reports: 5
25%
tax inclusive*
Growth Bundle
Number of Reports: 8
30%
tax inclusive*
Enterprise Bundle
Number of Reports: 10
35%
tax inclusive*
How To Order
Select License Type
Choose the right license for your needs and access rights.
Click on ‘Buy Now’
Add the report to your cart with one click and proceed to register.
Select Mode of Payment
Choose a payment option for a secure checkout. You will be redirected accordingly.
Gain insights to stay ahead and seize opportunities.
Get insights & trends for a competitive edge.
Track prices with detailed trend reports.
Analyse trade data for supply chain insights.
Leverage cost reports for smart savings
Enhance supply chain with partnerships.
Connect For More Information
Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.
Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.
We employ meticulous research methods, blending advanced analytics and expert insights to deliver accurate, actionable industry intelligence, staying ahead of competitors.
Our skilled analysts offer unparalleled competitive advantage with detailed insights on current and emerging markets, ensuring your strategic edge.
We offer an in-depth yet simplified presentation of industry insights and analysis to meet your specific requirements effectively.
Share