India Air Cargo and Express Logistics Market and Forecast to 2031 - Analysis by Shipment Category (Air Cargo, Courier), Service Type, Cargo Type, Capacity Type, and Geography

India Air Cargo and Express Logistics Market Size

The India air cargo and express logistics market has recorded steady growth in recent years, driven by increasing e-commerce penetration, export-oriented manufacturing, rising demand for time-sensitive shipments, and continued investment in airport cargo infrastructure and multimodal logistics networks. The sector plays a critical role in facilitating domestic distribution and international trade, particularly across pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, and express parcels.

The India air cargo and courier services market is estimated to register a CAGR of 1.30% during FY2023-FY2026E, supported by expanding cargo capacities at major airport hubs and sustained growth in express logistics demand across both domestic and international trade corridors.

Key Drivers Shaping the India Air Cargo & Express Logistics Market

Several structural, trade-led, and technology-driven factors are accelerating growth across the India air cargo and express logistics market, spanning export expansion, infrastructure development, e-commerce penetration, and supply chain modernisation.

• Export Growth and International Trade Expansion Driving Air Cargo Demand - Rising exports of pharmaceuticals, electronics, engineering goods, and high-value manufactured products are increasing demand for international air freight services. The growing integration of India into global supply chains and the expansion of cross-border trade flows are supporting sustained growth in international cargo volumes and express shipments across the India air cargo and express logistics market.

• Rapid Expansion of E-Commerce and CEP Logistics Boosting Express Deliveries - The continued growth of e-commerce, quick commerce, and business-to-consumer distribution channels is increasing parcel movement and time-definite deliveries across the country. This is driving demand for integrated air express networks, courier services, and technologically enabled fulfilment operations across metropolitan, Tier-II, and Tier-III cities, reinforcing growth within the India express logistics market and India CEP market.

• Airport Infrastructure Development and New Cargo Hubs Expanding Capacity - Investment in cargo terminals, multimodal logistics parks, and dedicated freight infrastructure is strengthening India's cargo handling capabilities. The development of upcoming mega cargo hubs including Navi Mumbai International Airport and Noida International Airport at Jewar is expected to materially increase air freight capacity and improve cargo processing efficiency across the India airport cargo infrastructure network.

• Supply Chain Digitalisation and Advanced Technologies Enhancing Operational Efficiency - The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence, blockchain platforms, digital customs processes, and automated cargo handling technologies is improving shipment visibility and operational productivity across the logistics ecosystem. These advancements are enabling faster cargo processing, stronger network optimisation, and enhanced competitiveness within the India air cargo and express logistics market.

India Air Cargo & Express Logistics Industry Insights

India Air Cargo and Express Logistics Market - Resilient Demand and Expanding Trade Connectivity

The India air cargo and courier services market is recording steady expansion, supported by rising e-commerce shipments, growing pharmaceutical and high-value cargo movements, and increasing investment in airport cargo infrastructure and express logistics networks. This demand-driven growth trajectory is reflected in a CAGR of 1.30% for the India air cargo and courier services market between FY2023 and FY2026E.

India's emergence as a major manufacturing and consumption hub, combined with expanding domestic freight demand and strengthening international trade linkages, is reinforcing the country's position as a critical air cargo and express logistics hub within regional and global supply chain networks.

Northern Region - Leading Geography in the India Air Cargo and Courier Services Market

The Northern Region holds the largest geographic share of the India air cargo and courier services market, accounting for approximately 32.32% of total market revenue. This dominant position is driven by the presence of major cargo gateways, large consumption centres, and high concentrations of manufacturing and e-commerce activity across the region.

The Northern Region's leadership is further reinforced by its connectivity to key domestic and international trade routes and the presence of airport-linked logistics infrastructure, including Delhi Airport Cargo, which supports its central role within India's air cargo and express logistics network.

Strategic Investments and Developments in the India Air Cargo and Express Logistics Market

Blue Dart Express Limited

On January 14, 2025, Blue Dart Express inaugurated India's largest integrated logistics hub in Bijwasan, Delhi, spanning 2.5 lakh square feet and capable of handling approximately 550,000 shipments daily. The facility strengthens connectivity across air, rail, and road networks, reinforcing Blue Dart's operational scale within the India express logistics market.

DHL Express India

On March 30, 2026, DHL Global Forwarding expanded controlled air freight capacity between Asia and Europe through new weekly Boeing 777F rotations connecting Shanghai–Leipzig and Hong Kong–Liège. The expansion strengthens network resilience, dedicated cargo capacity, and cross-divisional collaboration with DHL Express on key international trade lanes relevant to the India air cargo market.

FedEx (India) Private Limited

On February 18, 2026, FedEx announced an INR 2,500 crore investment to develop a 300,000 square feet automated cargo hub at Navi Mumbai International Airport, in partnership with Adani Airport Holdings. The facility is designed to strengthen cargo handling capacity, multimodal connectivity, and India's role as a regional trade and redistribution hub within the broader India airport cargo infrastructure network.

UPS SCS (India) Private Limited

On June 11, 2025, UPS SCS India nearly doubled its air cargo capacity between Delhi and Cologne - its principal European hub - by deploying a Boeing 747-8 freighter. The move materially enhances connectivity across India–Europe and onward United States trade routes, reinforcing UPS's network strength within the India international air cargo market.

Scope of the Study for India Air Cargo & Express Logistics Market

Makreo Research has published a comprehensive report titled “India Air Cargo and Express Logistics Market and Forecast to 2031 - Analysis by Shipment Category (Air Cargo, Courier), Service Type, Cargo Type, Capacity Type, and Geography” The report provides a structured, in-depth evaluation of India's air cargo and express logistics ecosystem, covering historical market performance, current industry dynamics, infrastructure developments, competitive positioning, regulatory framework, and forward-looking projections through 2030.

The report opens by evaluating the overall development of the India air cargo and express logistics sector, with particular focus on the structural elements and demand-side forces shaping industry trajectory, including:

Market Size and Demand Analysis

The report opens with a detailed assessment of the India air cargo and express logistics market, examining historical trends alongside current market size and cargo volume performance. A comprehensive demand analysis is presented across operational roles, service types, cargo categories, capacity segments, ownership structures, and geographic zones, providing a structured view of the India air cargo market's revenue and volume dynamics.

Transport Layer and Trade Flow Assessment

• The study evaluates India's air freight market across domestic and international cargo movements, covering historical and current performance trends, freight modal split, destination-wise revenue contribution, and trade region dynamics across key inbound and outbound corridors.

• Dedicated analysis examines carrier mix, cargo capacity trends, international express shipment growth, and export-led trade flows, alongside pricing dynamics including global route freight rates, logistics costs, and comparative cost structures for domestic and international air freight operations within the India air freight market.

Demand, Infrastructure and Technology Assessment

• The report assesses the key demand drivers influencing India's air cargo ecosystem, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics exports, auto components, and e-commerce-led express logistics growth across domestic and international trade corridors.

• Separate sections evaluate airport cargo concentration, regional cargo distribution, ownership structures, cargo hub infrastructure, and airline-wise cargo performance. Additional analysis covers multimodal terminal expansion and the adoption of emerging technologies including drones, artificial intelligence, and blockchain applications across the India air cargo and express logistics ecosystem.

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

• A dedicated section benchmarks leading air cargo airlines, express integrators, freight service providers, and logistics companies operating in India across cargo volumes, fleet capacity, geographic presence, service portfolios, and operational capabilities within the India air cargo competitive landscape.

• Detailed company profiles are included for major industry participants, covering business overviews, financial performance, company timelines, strategic initiatives, infrastructure expansion plans, and long-term growth strategies adopted by key players across the India air cargo and express logistics market.

Future Outlook and Strategic Considerations

• The report concludes with forward-looking projections across air cargo volumes, courier services, air freight transportation, and express logistics markets through the forecast period.

• It identifies emerging opportunities, infrastructure expansion plans, regulatory developments, market challenges, and macroeconomic growth drivers expected to influence the India air cargo and express logistics market over the forecast period.

India Air Cargo & Express Logistics Market Segmentation

Geography Assessed

Companies Covered in the India Air Cargo & Express Logistics Market

The study covers a total of 12 India Air Cargo & Express Logistics Market companies. To know more, please reach out to [email protected].