The head of Air India Cargo has called for India to expand its freighter aircraft fleet and strengthen cargo infrastructure in Tier-2 cities, highlighting key priorities for unlocking the country’s air freight growth potential. The remarks come as India seeks to position itself as a major logistics and manufacturing hub amid rising global trade opportunities.
Industry leaders have increasingly emphasized that dedicated freighters are essential for handling time-sensitive, oversized and high-value shipments that cannot always rely on passenger aircraft belly capacity. A larger freighter fleet would improve schedule flexibility, support exporters and enhance direct connectivity with global markets.
The Air India Cargo executive also stressed the importance of developing cargo terminals, cold-chain systems and handling facilities in Tier-2 cities, where industrial activity, e-commerce demand and export-oriented manufacturing are expanding rapidly. Improved infrastructure outside major metros could help decentralize cargo movement and reduce pressure on primary gateways such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Analysts said Tier-2 cities represent a major untapped opportunity for sectors including pharmaceuticals, perishables, textiles, engineering goods and electronics. Better regional cargo connectivity can shorten transit times, lower logistics costs and bring exporters closer to international air freight networks.
India’s air cargo market has grown steadily in recent years, supported by e-commerce expansion, rising domestic consumption and global supply chain diversification. However, infrastructure bottlenecks and limited dedicated freighter capacity continue to constrain faster growth.
Experts believe coordinated investment by airlines, airport operators and policymakers will be necessary to scale the sector. Expanding freighters and Tier-2 cargo ecosystems could significantly strengthen India’s competitiveness in global trade while supporting balanced regional economic development.
