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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM62513
Volume:
10 |
5 |
May 2026
Pages:
1-4
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
BBA Aviation Management
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
BBA Aviation Management
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
BBA Aviation Management
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
BBA Aviation Management
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
BBA Aviation Management
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
BBA Aviation Management
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
The Covid-19 pandemic caused the most severe disruption ever experienced by India's air cargo sector. The suspension of passenger flights in March 2020 eliminated approximately 60-70% of international cargo capacity overnight, while demand for medicines, PPE, and essential goods surged simultaneously. This paper examines how the pandemic affected air cargo movement in India, covering operational disruptions, freight rate volatility, cargo volume changes, government response, and recovery strategies. A case study of Blue Dart Aviation, India's only dedicated freighter airline, is used to illustrate how a prepared, infrastructure-rich operator navigated the crisis. The study is based entirely on secondary data: DGCA statistics, IATA reports, Ministry of Civil Aviation publications, and academic literature. Findings reveal a 22% decline in total cargo volumes in FY 2020-21, a 200-400% freight rate surge on international routes, and lasting structural changes including accelerated digital adoption, cold chain investment, and growth of dedicated freighter capacity.
KEYWORDS
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed India's air cargo sector's fundamental structural vulnerability: overwhelming dependence on passenger belly cargo capacity. When passenger services stopped, the majority of cargo capacity disappeared simultaneously, while demand for essential goods surged. The combined effects of capacity collapse, 200-400% freight rate spikes, 22% aggregate volume decline, and severe operational difficulties at cargo terminals represent the most severe disruption ever experienced by the sector. Several responses proved effective. The Lifeline Udan scheme maintained critical supply chain connectivity. Preighter operations restored some acute-phase capacity. Blue Dart Aviation demonstrated that a dedicated freighter fleet, strong technology infrastructure, and established pharmaceutical capabilities provide structural resilience against passenger aviation collapse.
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Publication Date
5/5/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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