Gautham Raju, Air Freight Specialist said, “IndiGo’s ongoing flight cancellations have significantly impacted domestic cargo capacity. A 5% reduction in flights has resulted in a noticeable space deficit. While international cargo operations remain largely unaffected, domestic cargo—particularly time-sensitive shipments such as perishables—is facing challenges. Other airlines, including SpiceJet, Air India, and Akasa Air, are absorbing some of the displaced volumes; however, concerns persist around belly-hold capacity, as IndiGo previously accounted for more than half of the domestic cargo volume share. The situation highlights the importance of resilient logistics planning and diversified backup options. As IndiGo navigates regulatory pressures, cargo operators remain cautiously optimistic, expecting normalization within a week or two. This disruption is unlikely to have a significant long-term impact on domestic volumes, especially as Indian airlines plan fleet expansions by 2026. However, while increasing the number of flights, airlines must also ensure adequate staffing levels that fully comply with DGCA regulations.”
