Dholera’s New Cargo Hub: A Game Changer for India’s Air Freight Industry

India’s air freight sector is set for another infrastructure boost with the development of a new international cargo complex at Ahmedabad’s Dholera International Airport (DIACL). Phase 1 of the project, estimated at $150 million, will include a 3.2-kilometer runway and 12 aircraft parking stands, reinforcing the country’s growing logistics capabilities.

DIACL, a joint venture between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and two Gujarat state entities, is a key component of broader investment initiatives in and around Ahmedabad, including projects supported by Japanese financial assistance. The cargo terminal, spanning 10,700 sq ft, is expected to commence international operations by June or July. The airport authority is also in the process of selecting a cargo terminal management contractor for a seven-year term as part of Phase 1.

Initial projections estimate that Dholera’s cargo volumes could reach 20,000 tonnes in 2025-26, with long-term potential soaring to 273,000 tonnes over the next two decades. The airport will play a critical role in supporting the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), India’s largest infrastructure initiative, originally budgeted at approximately $90 billion.

As one of India’s most industrialized states, Gujarat presents a high-growth opportunity for logistics and supply chain stakeholders. The expansion comes at a crucial time, with Ahmedabad’s existing international airport already operating at capacity. Strong market indicators suggest a promising investment landscape, with India’s international air cargo volumes surging by 19% year-on-year in 2024—outpacing both global and Asia-Pacific averages.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), part of the Adani Group’s logistics vision, recently marked a milestone with the landing of its first commercial aircraft ahead of its scheduled April launch. These developments underscore India’s strategic push to strengthen its air cargo infrastructure and global trade connectivity.