Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Naidu Pushes for More Freighters to Boost India's Air Cargo
India's civil aviation minister wants more cargo planes to carry goods in the air.
This can create jobs and help the economy.
Right now, India has fewer cargo planes than other countries.
The minister wants to make the process of moving goods faster and more efficient.
Union minister K Rammohan Naidu pitched for more freighters and cargo-centric airports to tap air cargo opportunities
India has only 17 registered freighters compared to over 200 in the US
Naidu encouraged Indian carriers to explore freighter expansion due to its commercial viability
Increased air cargo movements could create thousands of jobs and boost the economy
The minister aims to reduce average cargo processing time from 8 hours to 6 hours by 2030
- Who
- Union minister K Rammohan Naidu
- What
- Pitched for more freighters and cargo-centric airports
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Global Aviation & Air Cargo Conclave 2025, New Delhi
- Why
- To tap air cargo opportunities, create jobs, and boost the economy
Proponents of Freighter Expansion
Opponents of Freighter Expansion
Job Creation
Proponents of Freighter Expansion
Increased air cargo movements can create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Opponents of Freighter Expansion
Expansion may lead to job displacement in other sectors due to increased competition.
Economic Growth
Proponents of Freighter Expansion
Boosting air cargo can contribute significantly to the economy.
Opponents of Freighter Expansion
Investing in freighters might divert resources from other crucial infrastructure needs.
- Current registered freighters in India
- 17
- Registered freighters in the US
- Over 200
- Target air cargo throughput by 2030
- 10 million metric tonnes
- Target air cargo throughput by 2047
- 21 million metric tonnes
- Target average processing time reduction
- From 8 hours to 6 hours
