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 Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..