Since Apple airlifted 600 tonnes of iPhones worth $2 billion from India to the U.S. in April, India has emerged as a key hub for global smartphone exports. Reports now indicate that India-made smartphones have overtaken China to hold the top position in export volume. This marks a dramatic rise—from approximately 500 tonnes a month in November 2024 to 2,000 tonnes a month in April 2025. Additionally, India’s leading business daily highlighted that Chinese smartphone companies have begun manufacturing in India, further boosting the sector’s growth.
     India’s air cargo industry is accelerating thanks to stable economic conditions and strategic government policies. In 2024, air cargo from India outpaced the global average, growing by 19 percent compared to the world’s 13 percent, according to the India Air Cargo Outlook 2025-2029 report by Trade Data Service of the Trade and Transport Group, published in January 2025.
The report projects that India’s air cargo will grow annually by 6 to 9 percent over the next five years, reaching between 5 and 5.8 million tonnes by 2029—up from the current 3.7 million tonnes. It states: “Strong expected economic and trade growth is likely to drive additional air cargo volumes over the next five years. We expect the Indian air cargo market to outperform the overall global market.”
     The forecasted eight-fold increase in smartphone exports by 2030 has heightened demand for better cargo-handling infrastructure at international airports. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) previously pointed out that Customs delays are hampering shipments. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo noted that while China’s factory-to-export process begins from the cargo terminal on Day 1, in India, export activities often start on Day 2. He described this as “a glaring chasm,” especially when considering that Chinese exports in 2023 were worth over $959 billion—more than 30 times India’s $29 billion.
     Mohindroo emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements at both central and state levels. To reach India’s electronics export target of $500 billion by 2030, many airports—some already operating at capacity—must be upgraded or new airports constructed. “By 2030, electronics will be among India’s top two exports (valued at $180–200 billion annually), and air cargo volumes for electronics will surpass those of any other export,” he stated. Data shows that 55 percent of mobile phone exports originate from Delhi, 30 percent from Chennai, and 10 percent from Bangalore. Many industry veterans note that several airports lack dedicated space for cargo operations such as unit load device (ULD) assembly and truck parking. With the monsoon season underway, protecting electronics from water and heat underscores the importance of dedicated, specialized cargo facilities. 
India is also preparing to inaugurate two new world-class Greenfield airports: Noida International Airport near Delhi and Navi Mumbai International Airport near Mumbai.
     Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which operates Chennai’s international airport where Apple’s iPhones are manufactured, has upgraded its cargo terminal to support electronics exports. Improvements include a dedicated truck corridor, new X-ray scanners, and expanded parking facilities. Delhi Airport, the leading cargo hub, handled 609,419.9 tonnes of international freight from April 2024 to January 2025—a 17.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In January 2025 alone, Delhi processed 59,669 tonnes, reflecting a 9.3 percent year-on-year rise.
     The rapid growth of air cargo has prompted industry experts to stress the importance of further infrastructure development. Air cargo has become a vital component of India’s trade and logistics landscape. Most importantly, the government recognizes this sector’s potential and has taken steps to support it. Today, regional airports are increasingly connected to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, facilitating broader trade reach.
     Moreover, the implementation of single-window customs clearance has reduced delays for time-sensitive shipments. The adoption of Cargo Community Systems and trade agreements—such as the Free Trade Agreement with Australia—has also contributed to expanding India’s international trade footprint.