Category Archives: Aviation

Rajen Bhatia, Director, Tulsidas Khimji said, “India’s move to stop the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo will help ease port and airport congestion by reducing the volume of third-country shipments passing through Indian logistics hubs. This will free up space and resources, allowing for faster processing of domestic and direct international cargo. As a result, cargo flow will become smoother, turnaround times will improve, and overall operational efficiency in handling, storage and transportation will be significantly enhanced.”

C K Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight said, “India’s decision to halt the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo aims to reduce congestion at key ports and airports. This move is expected to streamline cargo operations, enhance port efficiency and ensure smoother handling of domestic and international shipments. By alleviating the pressure on infrastructure, it will improve turnaround times, optimise resource utilisation and contribute to a more efficient logistics ecosystem for both nations in the long run.”

Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo said, “The MEA asserted that the transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports while logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. Also, the measure was the result of ‘long standing demand’ of Indian exporters for stopping transshipment of Bangladeshi cargo, meant for shipments to third countries, through Indian ports. This will further help in rationalisation of freight rates resulting in less transportation cost to the Indian exporters besides decongesting the airports. However, this directive may adversely affect the Indian exporters based in Dhaka who used to bring their goods by road to India for further export to third countries. We also have to wait and watch as the subject decision could raise questions regarding India’s commitment under WTO provisions which mandates freedom of transit for goods to and from the landlocked countries.

Jalpa H Vithalani, Director, Global Aviation Services stated, “India’s decision to halt the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo is a strategic move to address congestion at key ports and airports. This step is expected to streamline cargo movement, reduce delays, and enhance operational efficiency for Indian logistics hubs. By prioritizing domestic cargo handling and optimizing infrastructure usage, the move will likely improve turnaround times and create a smoother flow of goods, ultimately benefiting trade stakeholders on both sides.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The halt of transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo will significantly ease congestion at major international Indian Airports, mainly at Delhi and Kolkata.  This move will streamline export movement from India, ensuring smoother operations and faster turnaround. With reduced congestion, airlines are expected to stabilize freight charges, which had surged due to excess Bangladesh cargo. As a result, Indian exporters can benefit from more competitive freight rates, enhancing their global competitiveness and export efficiency.”

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) is rolling out 5G across its terminal to allow increased automation of cargo handling and to boost global operations. The company statement stated that utilising a 5G network, which is being implemented by telecommunications firm HKT, will allow it to develop an “interconnected ecosystem” that will aid the future adoption of new technology. For example, Hactl said the 5G private network will enable Hactl’s Autonomous Electric Tractors (AET) to efficiently transport cargo with real-time coordination and dynamically adapt to traffic and safety protocols, reducing the need for human intervention. The company will also be able to deploy security robots equipped with AI-powered video analytics and 5G private network that will continuously patrol cargo areas and transmit live footage to Hactl’s Security Control Centre over a dedicated, secure 5G mobile channel for real-time surveillance and instant threat detection and response.

India has terminated the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo, the decision was announced through a notification issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially stated that transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at airports and ports. “Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn w.e.f. April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

Kanpur’s Chakeri Airport will soon offer air cargo services to four cities namely Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad by the end of this month. This has been a long-standing demand of local businesses who currently rely on Lucknow Airport for air freight. This new service, expected to start by the end of the month, will significantly reduce transportation costs and time for businesses, especially those in the leather industry exporting goods internationally. The move comes after persistent demands from entrepreneurs, especially those in the leather industry, who have long awaited direct cargo facilities from Kanpur. Until now, exporters had to rely on Lucknow Airport to ship goods domestically and internationally, incurring additional transportation costs and delays. With the new facility, leather and other products can be shipped directly from Kanpur, reducing time and expenses significantly. Airport Director Sanjay Kumar, in official reports confirmed that the cargo services will begin in the last week of this month. This is expected to boost local businesses and improve logistics efficiency in the region.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to introduce a ‘major’ tariff on pharmaceutical imports from India, has left Indian pharma manufacturers and freight forwarders in state of distress and despair. As the decision would impact Indian pharma business in a big way, it will not only affect Indian pharma manufacturers but also US Consumers. It may lead to increase prices and shortage of drugs. It will also disturb global competitiveness. Reacting on it, Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The proposed U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical imports could significantly impact India, the third-largest producer and key supplier of generics, especially as the U.S. accounts for over 30% of Indian pharma exports. Higher tariffs may erode cost competitiveness and disrupt supply chains, affecting both Indian manufacturers and U.S. consumers. Given that Indian generics have saved the U.S. billions in healthcare costs, such tariffs may increase drug prices and strain global healthcare affordability.” Sharing similar sentiments, Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo added, “America is India’s largest export market for pharmaceutical goods. In FY 24, of India’s $27.9 billion worth of pharma exports, 31 per cent or $8.7 billion to the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India. It’s further apprehended that higher US tariffs on pharma imports could severely impact both Washington and New Delhi as they will raise production costs, eroding price competitiveness for manufacturers and higher prices for customers. Further, the Indian companies, operating on thin margins in the US generics space, may struggle to absorb costs and end up passing them on to US consumers or insurers. In conclusion, such a proposed tariff would overall result in a detrimental effect to both countries.”

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India’s President, C K Govil is proudly representing India as part of an elite delegation at International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), first forum in Turkey to discuss global trade and logistics. Led by esteemed officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry —Piyush Srivastava, O.P. Sharma, Ajay Kumar, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation — this delegation is a testament to India’s growing influence in shaping the future of global air cargo and logistics sectors. Govil’s presence reflects India’s commitment to becoming a global logistics powerhouse, and we’re proud to be part of this bold vision for the future. Govil also had the opportunity to meet Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization. He extended a warm invitation to him for our upcoming FIATA RAP event next month — paving the way for deeper international engagement and partnership.” He said, “Under the Government of India’s initiative to emerge as a true global leader, I am honoured to be part of the delegation of this esteemed committee, led by Piyush Srivastava, O. P. Sharma, Ajay Kumar, and other senior officials from the Ministry, attending this significant event. With over 500 participants from nearly 80 countries, this global gathering reflects India’s growing stature on the international stage and our collective commitment to shaping the future of global trade and logistics.”