Airports are more than mere transit points for passengers and cargo—they are sophisticated hubs for logistics. With the growing demand for pharmaceutical products, perishable food items, and other temperature-sensitive goods, airports are embracing advanced cold chain infrastructure to ensure the seamless transportation of these crucial commodities, something that’s prominently on display in India.
India’s pharmaceutical industry achieved a turnover of US$65 billion last year, with US$28 billion in exports. Looking ahead, the industry’s turnover is expected to reach US$100 billion by 2030, and the government aims to push this figure to US$450 billion by 2047, representing nearly a sevenfold increase over the next 23 years. This ambitious growth will require the support of all stakeholders, reaffirming customs’ commitment to facilitating exports through an unbroken cold chain, which is crucial for pharmaceutical products.
Several trade-friendly initiatives have been introduced by Indian customs, such as the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in 1996, which led to nearly 100 percent of Exim documentation becoming online by 2004-05. In 2023-24, around 90 percent of import consignments and 93 percent of export consignments across India were processed without any human intervention from customs.
“Hyderabad is home to India’s largest concentration of pharmaceutical companies, and our airport plays a crucial role in connecting these companies with global markets. Our specialized cold chain facilities, which include temperature-controlled warehouses and dedicated handling services, ensure that pharmaceuticals are transported safely and efficiently,” Ashish Kumar, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, shared.
Cold chain hubs
In recent years, several major airports have recognised the need to invest in dedicated cold chain facilities to meet growing industry demands. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) is a case in point, according to Milton De La Paz, Vice President of Airline Relationship & Business Development Cargo at the airport.
“DFW has strategically invested in advanced cold chain solutions to handle pharmaceuticals and perishables. Our state-of-the-art temperature-controlled facilities, along with real-time monitoring systems, ensure the integrity of sensitive goods throughout their journey,” he remarked.
“We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cold chain operations. This includes using renewable energy sources to power temperature-controlled facilities and investing in energy-efficient cooling systems. We believe that the future of cold chain logistics must be both efficient and sustainable,” De La Paz continued.
Digital developments
Technology also plays a pivotal role in cold chain logistics. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, real-time temperature monitoring, and automated storage systems has revolutionised how airports manage temperature-sensitive goods. Manoj Singh, Chief Cargo Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, noted that Indian airports are quickly adopting cutting-edge technologies to ensure that temperature-controlled cargo is handled with precision and care: “Real-time data analytics, IoT-enabled tracking, and AI-driven inventory management systems are helping us maintain strict temperature control across the logistics chain. With these technologies, we can provide a higher level of visibility, transparency, and security for cold chain goods, minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards,” Singh explained.
“Airports are the linchpin of the cold chain ecosystem. As demand for the rapid, safe, and efficient movement of temperature-sensitive goods grows, the integration of advanced cold chain facilities within airport infrastructure is not just an option, but a necessity,” Keku Bomi Gazder, Managing Director and CEO of AVIAPRO, added.
