Qatar Airways Cargo has significantly expanded its operations in India, responding to growing demand for air freight services. This expansion underscores the airline’s strategic commitment to the Indian market, which currently accounts for nearly 10% of its global revenue. The airline aims to enhance capacity, improve connectivity, and support key industries like pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value goods.
Increasing Capacity to Serve India’s Growing Market
In August and September 2024, Qatar Airways Cargo restructured its network to increase cargo capacity into India by nearly 20%. This move directly aligns with the surge in demand for freight transport, particularly in industries requiring efficient, reliable logistics. With this capacity boost, the airline aims to strengthen its ability to meet the needs of businesses shipping essential goods such as fresh produce, medicines, and electronics. Furthermore, the company anticipates revenue growth of 9-12% in the coming fiscal year, reinforcing its leadership in the air cargo sector.
Expanding Presence Across Major Indian Cities
Beyond increasing cargo capacity, Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its logistics platform in collaboration with Octoloop and CargoFlash Infotech. In November 2024, the airline extended its services to ten additional Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Goa, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Trivandrum. This expansion allows businesses in these economic hubs to seamlessly connect to the airline’s vast global network, which spans over 150 destinations worldwide. As a result, companies now benefit from improved access to international trade routes and enhanced supply chain efficiencies.
Digital Innovations to Streamline Cargo Operations
To further optimize operations, Qatar Airways Cargo partnered with WebCargo by Freightos in January 2025 to introduce WebCargo Pay in India. This initiative marks a significant step in digitizing air cargo transactions, providing freight forwarders with an efficient, seamless booking and payment system. With this technology, the airline simplifies air freight logistics, enabling businesses to make real-time transactions with greater transparency and reliability. Additionally, WebCargo Pay enhances operational efficiency by reducing manual processes, thereby accelerating overall supply chain workflows.
Challenges Posed by Regulatory Barriers and Trade Restrictions
Despite these strategic advancements, Qatar Airways Cargo faces challenges stemming from regulatory restrictions and potential trade barriers. India’s current bilateral air service agreements limit Qatar Airways from freely expanding its passenger operations, which directly affects the availability of belly cargo space. These restrictions hinder the airline’s ability to fully optimize its cargo capacity, impacting its long-term expansion goals. Moreover, the looming threat of US tariffs on Indian pharmaceutical exports presents another challenge, as pharmaceuticals account for 15% of the airline’s cargo volume from India. If imposed, these tariffs could significantly disrupt the supply chain and affect global trade flows.
Strengthening India’s Global Cargo Connectivity
Despite these obstacles, Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to strengthening its presence in India. By expanding cargo routes, increasing capacity, and leveraging digital solutions, the airline continues to enhance India’s global connectivity. Its investments in cutting-edge logistics technology and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in India’s evolving air cargo landscape. As the demand for efficient air freight solutions rises, Qatar Airways Cargo’s proactive approach ensures it remains a preferred choice for businesses across multiple industries.
With ongoing efforts to address regulatory challenges and trade uncertainties, the airline is well-positioned to drive innovation and growth in India’s logistics sector. By reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, Qatar Airways Cargo is set to play a pivotal role in supporting India’s expanding trade network and facilitating seamless international cargo movement.
