The duo of trade fairs united 230+ brands from 38 countries, spotlighting infrastructure push, digital transformation and multimodal growth
Mumbai: India’s logistics story is getting bigger, more ambitious and increasingly integrated — and that shift was visible this week at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, where transport logistic India and air cargo India 2026 brought together over 8,100 industry professionals over three days
The event marked the 11th edition of air cargo India, long regarded as a barometer for the country’s air freight sector. Running alongside it for the first time was transport logistic India, conceived as a broader platform to reflect how freight now moves — across air, sea, rail and road in connected chains rather than isolated silos. Together, the two shows featured more than 230 exhibiting brands from 38 countries and a conference programme with over 120 speakers, turning the venue into a meeting ground for airlines, ports, freight forwarders, logistics parks, technology firms and policymakers
Shri. Pratap Sarnaik, Honourable Minister of Transport, Government of Maharashtra, underlined the state’s infrastructure push, “Maharashtra is seeing a major shift in its logistics landscape through focused investments in infrastructure and connectivity. Projects such as Vadhavan Port, Mumbai’s proposed third airport, and corridors like the Samruddhi Expressway and Atal Setu are set to improve efficiency and lower logistics costs for industry. The state is also working towards more integrated logistics hubs to simplify transport and operations. These initiatives aim to attract greater investment and create employment opportunities for local youth. Maharashtra remains committed to supporting business growth and strengthening its position as a leading industrial and logistics hub.”
Former international cricketer AB de Villiers was roped in as the face of transport logistic India 2026. Widely respected for his global career and reputation for consistency under pressure, de Villiers is seen as embodying adaptability and execution — traits organisers believe align with the aspirations of India’s expanding multimodal logistics ecosystem. The association signals a clear attempt to position the sector as performance-driven and globally competitive.
The show floor featured a mix of established names and emerging players across aviation, logistics and manufacturing. Companies such as Air India Cargo, Amazon Air Cargo, APM Logistics, Atlantic Gate, BLR Logistics, Bosch, Cathay Cargo, CEVA Logistics, Chemnest Logistics, CJ Darcl Logistics, Cold Chain Technologies, DACHSER, DHL Logistics, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, FEI Cargo, Goodrich Maritime, IndiGo CarGo, Intangles, Maersk, Porter, Qatar Airways Cargo, Riyadh Cargo, SmartKargo, Transport Corporation of India (TCI), Turkish Cargo, Zeal Global and Aeroprime Group were among those present.
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Additional Secretary to the Government of India, highlighted, “India’s logistics costs have reduced from nearly 13–14% of GDP in 2016 to around 7.9% today, reflecting sustained reforms and a strong focus on ease of doing business. Logistics remains the backbone of cost-effective manufacturing and seamless first- and last-mile connectivity. With our natural advantage of extensive coastlines and inland waterways, the government is accelerating a modal shift toward more economical and efficient transport. Platforms like transport logistic India play a vital role in fostering collaboration, technology adoption, and policy alignment to strengthen India’s global trade competitiveness.”
Dedicated country and industry showcases added depth. The German Pavilion brought together logistics and technology firms with strong international trade capabilities. The AITWA Pavilion, led by the All India Transporters’ Welfare Association, highlighted developments in India’s road freight sector as well as innovation and structural challenges in surface transport.
Ashok Goyal, National President, All India Transporters’ Welfare Association (AITWA) mentioned, “Road transport remains the backbone of India’s supply chain, connecting ports, airports, industrial clusters and consumption centres. As trade volumes grow, integration between air cargo, surface transport and warehousing becomes critical. The participation of AITWA at this platform highlights the importance of unified logistics planning. When transporters, freight forwarders, airlines and policymakers sit together, we move closer to reducing transit time, improving reliability and lowering overall logistics costs for Indian industry. Today at the event, AITWA delegation has committed to creating driver dedicated facilities in 5 zones covering medical support, safety training, healthy food and other benefits. An investment of approx Rs 75 crores is expected to be spent on this in the next 3 years.”
A separate Future Tech Pavilion, powered by SmartKargo, focused squarely on digital transformation. Exhibitors demonstrated AI-led cargo management systems, automation tools, blockchain-based tracking solutions and advanced analytics platforms, attracting startups and established technology providers looking to tap into India’s expanding freight market.
Addressing these priorities from a technology and industry perspective, Shri. Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Honourable Minister, IT, E&C, Industry & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana positioned logistics as a technology-led growth engine, “Technology is reshaping logistics for both pharma and manufacturing, where speed, reliability, and product integrity are critical from Telangana to global markets. What we are seeing today is a shift toward smarter, data-led supply chains that ensure timely and safe delivery of sensitive goods. Telangana is advancing this vision through a new logistics policy and plans for a large logistics park to support tech-enabled cargo movement. We invite global partners and startups to collaborate with us in building faster, more intelligent logistics systems anchored in Hyderabad.”
Running in parallel with the exhibition were two distinct but interlinked conference tracks. transport logistic India centred on “Powering Vision 2030 with Logistics Performance Excellence.” Speakers from major demand-side players such as Tata Chemicals, Tata Projects and Reliance Industries discussed how improved logistics efficiency can underpin India’s manufacturing scale-up and export ambitions.
air cargo India, under the theme “Global Air Cargo – Booming but Bumpy,” examined capacity constraints, network reliability and sustained demand from pharmaceuticals and e-commerce. Sessions reflected the industry’s balancing act: strong structural demand tempered by operational volatility.
Bhupinder Singh, President – IMEA, Messe München & CEO of Messe Muenchen India, said, “What makes these shows effective is that they put the right decision-makers together — airlines with exporters, infrastructure players with manufacturers, technology firms with logistics operators. When people meet in person, conversations are sharper, and outcomes move more quickly. Our purpose is to create the setting where those conversations translate into real business.”
As India sharpens its focus on infrastructure, digitalisation and export competitiveness, the combined platform of air cargo India and transport logistic India appears to have found its moment. The 2026 edition closes signalling that the integrated format will continue, mirroring the way freight — and the economy it serves — is evolving.
Looking ahead, the global network will gather momentum in 2027 with transport logistic Africa & air cargo Africa scheduled for 2–4 February 2027 at The Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by transport logistic India & Project Cargo 2027 on 25–26 February 2027 in Mumbai — extending the platform’s reach across high-growth trade corridors in Africa and Asia while deepening its focus on multimodal and specialised cargo markets.
