Air cargo volumes surge 33% amid shipping delays

21 Nov 2024 CW Team

Exporters and traders in Gujarat are increasingly turning to air cargo as shipping disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis lead to severe delays in sea freight. International air cargo volumes from Ahmedabad rose 33% between April and October 2024 compared to the same period last year. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport’s two cargo complexes handled 31,600 metric tonnes (MT) of international cargo during this period, up from 23,600 MT last year. Export volumes saw a notable rise, increasing from 23,600 MT to 29,600 MT, underscoring a growing dependence on air freight despite higher costs. Shipping delays, which now average 35–70 days compared to the usual 20–25 days, have forced exporters to prioritise air transport to meet delivery deadlines. Manoj Kotak, President of the Mundra Customs Brokers Association, highlighted that 25% of cargo, particularly pharmaceuticals and chemicals, has shifted to air freight. “Previously, vessels to the US, Europe, and Russia via the Red Sea took 15–20 days. Now, alternate routes have extended transit times significantly,” he noted. In October alone, SVPI Airport handled 4,800 MT of exports and 900 MT of imports, up from 4,080 MT and 905 MT, respectively, in October 2023. Gujarat, which contributes 20% of India’s exports and manages 40% of the country’s overall cargo through its ports, is witnessing a realignment in freight movement. Exporters are choosing air cargo not only for timely deliveries but also to counter vessel shortages. Current waiting times for sea shipments stretch to at least 15 days, further exacerbating delays. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jun 2026

PRS International marks 18 years of global advisory work

PRS International Group of Companies recently said it has strengthened its position as a sovereign-grade multinational advisory organisation, marking nearly 18 years of operations across strategic communications, institutional advisory and international cooperation. The Group, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. and New Delhi, said its work spans more than 190 countries and supports governments, multilateral institutions, investors, corporations and private clients. The organisation said its services cover government advisory, crisis management, trade and investment facilitation, nation bra..

dormakaba showcases access solutions at iDAC Chandigarh

dormakaba recently participated in iDAC Chandigarh 2026 at JW Marriott, engaging with architects, interior designers, developers, hospitality professionals and industry experts. The access solutions brand showcased a range of security and architectural products, including Mechanical Key Systems, Digital Cylinder, C Lever, Lever Handle, AIDO’s SLYNK Profiled Door System and Hotel Lock. The company said AIDO’s solutions added a design-led architectural and hospitality dimension to its presence at the event. The SLYNK Profiled Door System drew attention for supporting modern interiors where ..

Tata Power Secures Karnataka Transmission Project

Tata Power has won a power transmission project in Karnataka after emerging as the successful bidder in a tariff-based competitive bidding process run by PFC Consulting, a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation. The company received a Letter of Intent from PFC Consulting for a renewable energy evacuation scheme to be delivered under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer model. The award follows a competitive selection and positions the firm to expand its transmission activities in the state. As part of the contract, Tata Power will acquire the special purpose vehicle (SPV) created f..