Chennai Airport Edges Out Bengaluru to Claim Third Place in International Cargo Handling in Early 2026

Chennai Airport’s Remarkable Rise in International Cargo Handling

In the fiercely competitive arena of international air cargo in India, Chennai Airport has recently nudged ahead of its closest rival, Bengaluru (BIAL), to clinch the third position in international cargo handling for the first half of the fiscal year 2025-26. Although the margin is razor-thin, this shift signals noteworthy changes in the cargo flow landscape that could influence regional logistics and freight dynamics.

Cargo Tonnage Figures: A Tight Race

Between April and September 2025, Chennai Airport managed to process 166,440 tonnes of international cargo, narrowly surpassing Bengaluru’s 165,899 tonnes. The difference of just 541 tonnes marks a significant turnaround considering that in the same period the previous year, Bengaluru had a comfortable lead of 16,814 tonnes over Chennai. Back then, Chennai had handled 145,149 tonnes compared to Bengaluru’s 161,963 tonnes.

Leading Players in India’s International Air Freight

At the top of the heap, Delhi Airport continues its dominant run with an impressive 368,359 tonnes of cargo during this same period. Mumbai takes the second spot, followed by Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, rounding out the top five.

What’s Driving Chennai’s Cargo Surge?

Industry insiders attribute Chennai’s leap partly to the robust import of engineering goods and the export demand for high-value electronics, including Apple iPhones. However, the growth isn’t solely thanks to one player; it’s rather a mixed bag of automobile parts, electronics, and engineering products boosting the airport’s throughput.

One of the key observations is that Chennai has been working diligently to smooth out bottlenecks that previously deterred shippers and freight forwarders. From process simplifications to improved facilitation, these efforts have visibly paid off, positioning Chennai as a more attractive hub for cargo throughput.

Industry Voices and Future Outlook

• Industry Experts: Freight forwarders emphasize the importance of urgency in enhancing operations to maintain this lead. While recent improvements are promising, there’s recognition of significant ground still to cover.
• Trade Associations: Representatives highlight that the shift toward higher-value goods such as electronics and automotive parts signals a broader trend of evolving trade priorities in the region, which can reshape cargo profiles and logistics strategies.
• Calls for Investment: Leaders urge airport authorities to draft long-term plans to scale up infrastructure and capacity, ensuring the air cargo terminal can fully unleash its potential, thereby supporting trade and economic growth in the region.

Ranking of Indian Airports by Cargo Handled: First Half 2025-26

Implications for Logistics and Freight Forwarding

The close competition between Chennai and Bengaluru reflects shifting cargo volumes that can affect the logistics landscape in South India. Cargo operators, freight forwarders, and shippers may find Chennai’s increasing throughput beneficial for timely shipments, especially for high-value goods requiring reliable and speedy airfreight services. This also suggests greater investment opportunities in ground handling, warehouse infrastructure, and customs processing at Chennai, which can streamline supply chains and reduce lead times for importers and exporters.

The Role of Efficient Transportation Platforms

In a logistics environment where every ton and every minute count, platforms like GetTransport.com come to the fore by offering cost-effective global cargo transportation solutions. Whether it’s moving bulky goods, furniture, vehicles, or office equipment, GetTransport.com provides a streamlined way to manage shipments across borders, matching cargo needs with reliable carriers worldwide. Its versatility for both small parcel deliveries and large freight shipments makes it an invaluable tool for businesses and individuals navigating fast-changing cargo flows.

The Bottom Line: Numbers Tell a Story, but Experience Matters

While statistics offer a clear snapshot that Chennai has momentarily surpassed Bengaluru in international cargo handling by a hair’s breadth, no amount of data can fully substitute for firsthand experience. The real proof lies in how efficiently cargo moves, handling of bulky shipments, and the satisfaction of logistics providers and end users.

Fortunately, platforms like GetTransport.com allow users to tap into a wide range of carriers with transparent pricing and extensive coverage, ensuring the best deals for international freight dispatch. By offering seamless booking options and reliable courier and haulage services, GetTransport.com eliminates guesswork and unnecessary overhead expenses, empowering smarter shipping choices.

Buchen Sie Ihre Fahrt bei GetTransport.com today and leverage the convenience and affordability that can give your shipments a winning edge.

How This Cargo Shift May Influence Global Logistics

On a global scale, the shift of Chennai overtaking Bengaluru for the third spot in international cargo handling might seem like a minor blip. However, for the regional logistics ecosystem, it’s a clear signal of evolving trade patterns and emerging opportunities. Watching these trends closely is critical since airports serve as vital nodes in the freight forwarding and distribution networks.

GetTransport.com understands the fluid nature of logistics and remains committed to staying ahead of such developments, ensuring that customers have access to efficient, cost-effective transport solutions worldwide. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Summary: Chennai Stakes Its Claim in India’s Cargo Map

In summary, the leap Chennai Airport has made in international cargo handling indicates a dynamic shift driven by growth in the engineering, automotive, and electronics sectors, with high-value goods like Apple iPhones playing a significant role. Chennai’s 15% cargo growth outpaces Bengaluru’s modest 2.4%, enabling it to grab the third position nationwide for the first half of fiscal year 2025-26. This shift holds notable implications for freight and shipping, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development and operational efficiency in logistics hubs.

For businesses and individuals looking to navigate this evolving cargo landscape, platforms such as GetTransport.com offer a valuable resource. They provide a robust mix of flexibility, affordability, and reliable service options, spanning international and local cargo transport needs — from office and home moves to the shipment of bulky or specialized goods. In an industry driven by timing and trust, such services simplify dispatch, haulage, and delivery challenges worldwide.