Perishables fuel Air India's cargo growth amid cold chain overhaul

Air India's perishables cargo rose 37% in two years as it expanded cold chain infrastructure, added tech tools, and grew flight capacity on key international routes

Perishables such as fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, meat, and flowers are rapidly becoming a strong part of Air India’s air cargo business, with the segment posting a 37 per cent growth over the past two years as a result of rising demand and strategic investments in cold chain logistics and infrastructure. 

In 2024-25, Air India transported 57,530 tonnes of perishables internationally, up from 49,703 tonnes in FY24 and 41,998 tonnes in FY23. Perishables now account for close to 30 per cent of the airline’s international cargo volumes and contribute 22 per cent of its international cargo revenue, an Air India