Air India’s cargo network moves 1,000 tonnes of Indian mangoes

Air India transported more than 1,000 tonnes of mangoes across its network between March and May 2026, making mangoes a major component of the more than 3,300 tonnes of fresh produce carried by the airline during the three-month period.

The airline handled 805 tonnes of fruits and vegetables in March as the season began, with volumes increasing to 1,275 tonnes in April during the peak harvest period. Shipments remained strong in May, when the airline transported 1,233 tonnes of fruits and vegetables across its network.

Most of the mango shipments originated from Maharashtra and Gujarat, home to popular varieties such as Alphonso and Kesar. Mumbai served as the main gateway for exports, supported by its proximity to key mango-growing regions.

During the three-month period, Air India carried up to 180 tonnes of mangoes per week from Mumbai to London Heathrow during peak weeks. Frankfurt received around 40 tonnes per week, while Dubai, Newark and New York JFK each handled about 30 tonnes weekly.

The airline also moved perishable cargo from Delhi to international destinations including San Francisco, Toronto, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney.

Air India currently handles more than 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually, making it India's largest international cargo operator.

To support the movement of perishable products, the airline relies on temperature-controlled handling throughout the supply chain. Produce is transported to airport terminals in refrigerated trucks and stored in controlled environments, typically maintained between 15°C and 25°C, before being loaded onto aircraft.

Temperature-controlled handling continues after arrival to help maintain product quality until final delivery.

Air India said it has expanded its cold-chain infrastructure in recent years and now offers cold-storage and active-container capabilities across 14 airports. These include major hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, New York JFK and Newark.

The airline also uses equipment such as cool dollies and thermal blankets to help maintain temperature stability during ground handling operations. These facilities are GDP-certified and aligned with international standards for handling temperature-sensitive cargo.

“Transporting over 1,000 tonnes of mangoes in just three months reflects both the scale of demand and the robustness of our cold-chain processes,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India.

“Perishables require meticulous handling, and our teams work closely with partners to maintain consistency and quality at every step.”

The seasonal movement of mangoes remains one of the most significant perishables export flows from India, connecting farms in western India with consumers in major international markets through Air India's long-haul network.