Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) today announced the 7th edition of its flagship World Conclave 2026, scheduled for 12–13 August 2026 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. With Logistics Shakti joining as a Strategic Partner, the two-day conclave is expected to welcome over 700 delegates.
It will bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers, investors, airlines, airport operators, freight forwarders, customs professionals and supply chain stakeholders to deliberate on the future of air cargo, logistics and trade resilience.
With the theme “Reimagining Global Trade: India at the Forefront of Developing Resilient Supply Chains,” the conclave will examine how India can strengthen its role as a strategic hub for global commerce amid geopolitical volatility, shifting trade corridors, digital disruption and sustainability pressures. The 2026 edition will focus on innovation, collaboration and transformation across the air cargo ecosystem, with special attention to AI-enabled logistics, digital air waybills, automation, multimodal integration and sustainable aviation solutions.
Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has been requested to grace the Conclave as the Chief Guest, along with several distinguished dignitaries from the Government of India and key regulatory authorities.
Sanjiv Edward, President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and CEO, Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group, said: “Global supply chains are no longer built solely on cost and speed. Today, resilience, reliability, and digital connectivity have become equally important. India has a unique opportunity to emerge as a preferred global logistics hub, backed by expanding airport infrastructure, manufacturing growth and policy support. The ACFI World Conclave 2026 will bring together global leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and collectively shape an air cargo ecosystem that is prepared for the next decade of global trade.”
Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and Head of Cargo, Air India Limited, said: “The air cargo industry is undergoing one of its biggest transformations in recent years. From changing trade routes and rising e-commerce volumes to increasing expectations around speed, visibility and sustainability, the sector must continuously adapt. The conclave will provide a platform to discuss practical solutions around digitalisation, multimodal connectivity, regulatory reforms and operational efficiencies that can strengthen India’s competitiveness in global logistics.”
Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman, Event Management, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), said: “The objective of this year’s conclave is to move beyond conversations and create meaningful industry outcomes. The programme has been carefully curated to encourage knowledge sharing, business networking and collaborative problem solving among stakeholders from across the global air cargo ecosystem. By bringing policymakers, airlines, airports, logistics companies and technology providers together under one roof, we hope to generate ideas and partnerships that will accelerate the sector’s next phase of growth.”
India’s air cargo volumes grew 6.2% in FY26 to 39.63 lakh tonnes, despite geopolitical disruptions.
Delhi remains the largest hub, while Chennai recorded 11.7% growth, driven by electronics and engineering exports. International cargo accounted for 64% of total freight, with pharmaceuticals, perishables, automotive components, and e-commerce leading the surge.
India’s logistics sector is increasingly adopting AI-driven predictive routing, automated warehouses, and digital air waybills to cut transit times.
With government incentives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, exports of mobile phones and electronics are surging, making air freight indispensable for time-sensitive shipments.
As these trends continue to reshape the sector, industry experts believe the long-term outlook remains highly positive. India’s air cargo sector is expected to sustain near double-digit growth once geopolitical shocks ease, supported by expanding airport infrastructure, multimodal integration, and investments from global players. The conclave is expected to set the tone for India’s next phase of cargo and export growth, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of global supply chains.
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