INDIA's gujarat traders are increasingly turning to air cargo to combat mounting shipping delays, despite having to bear higher costs, reports the Times of India.
With the ongoing Red Sea crisis disrupting sea routes, the international air cargo volume from Ahmedabad recorded a 33 per cent rise from April to October compared to the same period last year.
The two air cargo complexes at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport handled 31,600 tonnes of international cargo during this period, up from 23,600 tonnes last year. Export volumes alone jumped from 23,600 to 29,600 tonnes, showcasing a growing reliance on air freight.
The shift comes as shipping vessels face delays of up to 70 days - more than double the usual transit times of 20-25 days at max - forcing exporters to opt for air transport despite higher costs.
In October alone, the air cargo complex managed 4,800 tonnes in exports and 900 tonnes in imports - a significant increase from 4,080 tonnes and 905 tonnes, year on year.
Gujarat, which contributes 20 per cent of India's exports by volume, is now witnessing a reshuffle in cargo movement. With its ports handling 40 per cent of the country's overall cargo, the ongoing sea route disruptions have triggered this notable shift towards air freight.
While air freight ensures quicker deliveries, the switch isn't without its challenges. Exporters are grappling with significantly higher costs, eating into their profit margins.
SeaNews Turkey
With the ongoing Red Sea crisis disrupting sea routes, the international air cargo volume from Ahmedabad recorded a 33 per cent rise from April to October compared to the same period last year.
The two air cargo complexes at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport handled 31,600 tonnes of international cargo during this period, up from 23,600 tonnes last year. Export volumes alone jumped from 23,600 to 29,600 tonnes, showcasing a growing reliance on air freight.
The shift comes as shipping vessels face delays of up to 70 days - more than double the usual transit times of 20-25 days at max - forcing exporters to opt for air transport despite higher costs.
In October alone, the air cargo complex managed 4,800 tonnes in exports and 900 tonnes in imports - a significant increase from 4,080 tonnes and 905 tonnes, year on year.
Gujarat, which contributes 20 per cent of India's exports by volume, is now witnessing a reshuffle in cargo movement. With its ports handling 40 per cent of the country's overall cargo, the ongoing sea route disruptions have triggered this notable shift towards air freight.
While air freight ensures quicker deliveries, the switch isn't without its challenges. Exporters are grappling with significantly higher costs, eating into their profit margins.
SeaNews Turkey
