Air India eyes higher cargo loads on US flights

The closure of Pakistan’s airspace has compelled Air India to reroute its US-bound flights, resulting in longer flight durations and increased fuel consumption. For passengers, this means extended travel times and potential inconvenience. However, the situation has created a surprising silver lining for the airline, an opportunity to boost its cargo business.

With the airspace restrictions in place, Air India is now operating select US and Canada flights with a refueling stop in Europe, typically Vienna or Copenhagen. While Mumbai–New York/Newark services are being restored to non-stop operations, flights from Delhi are currently following a one-stop model.

These transit halts significantly alter the flight dynamics. On non-stop flights from Delhi to North America, fuel uplift ranges from 90 to 130 tonnes depending on aircraft type, destination, and wind conditions. With a stop in Europe, the aircraft requires less fuel from Delhi, freeing up capacity for additional cargo. This shift enables Air India to carry 15–18 tonnes of cargo, two to three times more than on a non-stop route.

Air India is already capitalising on this by reaching out to freight forwarders, offering increased cargo space on outbound flights. While cargo loads typically take two to three weeks to build as forwarders plan their bookings, the airline has already seen early wins.

Last week, Air India transported 20 tonnes of mangoes to various US destinations via its one-stop flights from Mumbai. Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Kay Bee Exports, noted that while Air India’s San Francisco flights have always been used, payload restrictions on non-stop flights to New York often required relying on foreign carriers. The rerouted services have eased those constraints.

So far this season, Kay Bee Exports has shipped 350 tonnes of mangoes across 8–10 varieties and aims to cross 1,200 tonnes by June—surpassing last year’s total.