Air India (AI, Delhi International) cargo chief Ramesh Mamidala has called for more freighters and expanded cargo infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities as demand rises. India's air cargo sector handles about 3.5-3.7 million tonnes annually, with volumes projected to reach 10 million tonnes by 2032 and 25 million tonnes by 2047, but 70-80% of volumes are concentrated at four to five major airports. Cargo prices have doubled in the past one to two months as geopolitical disruptions force longer routes, increasing fuel burn and reducing available capacity.