Terminal at Dholera Airport Will Become a Major Hub for Cargo Handling

The terminal at Dholera International Airport is expected to emerge as a major hub for cargo handling, providing a crucial infrastructure boost to India’s fast-growing air freight economy. According to the latest updates, the airport will feature a dedicated air cargo terminal spread across approximately 10,700 square feet, with international cargo operations targeted to commence by June or July. This development marks an important step in strengthening logistics capabilities in Gujarat and western India.

Phase 1 of the cargo complex, being developed as part of the Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), is estimated to cost around $150 million. The phase includes construction of a 3.2-kilometre runway along with parking infrastructure for up to 12 aircraft. The airport authority is also expected to appoint a cargo terminal management contractor for an initial period of seven years, ensuring professional handling and efficient operations from the outset.

DIACL is a joint venture between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and two Gujarat state entities, and forms part of a broader set of infrastructure investments being undertaken in and around Ahmedabad. Several of these projects are also supported through international cooperation, including financial assistance from Japan. The airport’s development aligns with the state’s long-term vision of creating globally competitive logistics and industrial infrastructure.

Cargo projections for the airport indicate strong growth potential. Export and import volumes handled through Dholera are expected to reach around 20,000 tonnes in 2025–26, with cargo throughput projected to rise sharply to nearly 273,000 tonnes over the next two decades. These estimates highlight the airport’s strategic role in accommodating future demand generated by manufacturing, electronics, and industrial clusters in the region.

The new airport has also been designed to support the ambitious Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project, one of India’s largest infrastructure initiatives. Gujarat, being one of the country’s most industrialised states, offers strong cargo potential for supply chain and logistics stakeholders. The Dholera airport is particularly significant as Ahmedabad’s existing international airport has already reached saturation, creating an urgent need for additional air cargo capacity.

Market indicators further reinforce the importance of this development. International air cargo volumes from India were estimated to have grown by nearly 19% year-on-year in 2024, outperforming global and Asia-Pacific averages. Against this backdrop, the Dholera International Airport cargo terminal is expected to attract strong interest from logistics companies, exporters, and investors, positioning it as a key gateway for India’s future air freight growth.