Air India and Delhi airport are testing a new security regime to expedite cargo transshipment, potentially boosting India’s air freight capacity and reducing logistical bottlenecks in the growing market.
Air India and Delhi airport have begun trial runs for cargo transshipment under a revised security regime that could remove one of the biggest bottlenecks in Indian air freight: mandatory repeat screening at transit points. According to Logistics Insider, the pilot is testing whether cargo can move onwards without being re-X-rayed, provided the new security conditions set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security are met.
The change follows a July 2025 relaxation by BCAS, which allowed transit cargo to be handled without fresh screening when it passes through approved security arrangements. Industry publications including Maritime Gateway, India Sea Trade News and ITLN reported that the previous system forced even domestic shipments changing aircraft to be screened again, adding time, cost and complexity to operations. The revised rules require transfer cargo to be kept in a dedicated Transfer Cargo Security Hold Area, with approval from the BCAS director general, to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
For India’s airports and carriers, the commercial case is significant. Logistics Insider said the trial route is moving cargo from southern India to Europe via Delhi, a test of how effectively the new framework can support international transshipment. The report added that Delhi airport already has an airside transshipment facility, but still needs BCAS certification as a regulated agent before the system can be scaled up. That certification, if secured, would help support faster ‘tail-to-tail’ transfers and shorten turnaround times.
The timing matters because India’s cargo market is still growing, but transshipment remains a relatively small share of the total. Logistics Insider reported that air cargo volumes rose 6.2 per cent year-on-year to 3.96 million tonnes in FY2026, with Delhi remaining the country’s largest cargo hub and Chennai posting the fastest growth. Yet transshipment still accounts for less than 10 per cent of overall volumes, even as India aims to handle 10 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030 and expand cross-border e-commerce exports. A separate CBIC circular in April 2025 also simplified air cargo procedures by removing the transhipment permit fee and encouraging digital processing, signalling a broader push to make Indian gateways more competitive.
Source Reference Map
Inspired by headline at: [1]
Sources by paragraph:
– Paragraph 1: [2], [3]
– Paragraph 2: [4], [5]
– Paragraph 3: [1], [4]
– Paragraph 4: [1], [7]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://www.logisticsinsider.in/air-india-delhi-airport-begin-trial-of-seamless-cargo-transshipment-under-new-bcas-norms/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.maritimegateway.com/bcas-eases-cargo-re-screening-guidelines/ – In July 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) relaxed the mandatory re-screening rule for transit cargo, aiming to enhance India’s position as a regional transshipment hub. Previously, all cargo passing through Indian airports, including domestic shipments switching aircraft mid-journey, was subjected to compulsory X-ray screening, increasing handling time and costs. The revised guidelines streamline cargo movement, reduce ground delays, and lower operational expenses for freight operators, making Indian hubs more attractive and globally competitive. This change follows persistent appeals from trade bodies like the Air Cargo Forum of India.
- https://indiaseatradenews.com/bcas-relaxes-cargo-re-screening-rule/ – In July 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) relaxed the mandatory requirement of re-screening of transit cargo, boosting transshipment of goods via Indian hubs. Previously, all goods transshipped via Indian airports, including domestic cargo with a change of aircraft, needed to be X-rayed during transit, adding to costs and ground time, making Indian airlines and airports less competitive. Following multiple representations by industry bodies such as the Air Cargo Forum of India, the rule was amended, allowing transfer or transit cargo to be flown without re-screening under certain conditions.
- https://www.itln.in/aviation/india-ends-re-screening-for-transfer-cargo-under-new-bcas-rules-1355996 – In July 2025, India permitted the transfer of cargo without the need for re-screening at transfer airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revised its security guidelines to ease cargo movement at transfer airports. The directive requires all transfer cargo and mail to be processed through a Transfer Cargo Security Hold Area (TCSHA), a dedicated space at the security-restricted zone of an airport, approved by the Director General of BCAS. This change aims to prevent unauthorized interference and enhance the safety of aviation operations across India.
- https://www.securitytoday.in/bcas-ends-re-screening-eases-cargo-transfer-at-indian-airports/ – In July 2025, India permitted the transfer of cargo without the need for re-screening at transfer airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revised its security guidelines to ease cargo movement at transfer airports. The directive requires all transfer cargo and mail to be processed through a Transfer Cargo Security Hold Area (TCSHA), a dedicated space at the security-restricted zone of an airport, approved by the Director General of BCAS. This change aims to prevent unauthorized interference and enhance the safety of aviation operations across India.
- https://www.eximguru.com/exim/indian-customs/customs-manual/transhipment-of-cargo.aspx – The Indian Customs Manual provides detailed procedures for the transshipment of imported cargo by air, including movement from one airport in India to another and from an airport in India to an airport abroad. The procedures involve filing an application for transshipment permit along with copies of airway bills to Customs, after which Customs issues a transshipment permit. The cargo is then escorted by the Preventive Officer from the warehouse of the custodian to the warehouse of the receiving airline, which acknowledges the same.
- https://www.bizsolindia.com/customs-the-cbic-has-issued-a-circular-to-provide-for-simplification-of-procedures-for-air-cargo-movement-transhipment-28-04-2025/ – In April 2025, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued Circular No. 15/2025-Customs, aiming to simplify and harmonize air cargo movement and transshipment procedures. Key measures include the abolition of the ₹20 Transshipment Permit fee and the facilitation of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) movement outside Customs areas on the basis of a Continuity Bond by air carriers or air console agents. The circular also emphasizes the use of digital platforms for transshipment requests, reducing the need for physical visits to service centres.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 10
Notes: The article is dated June 29, 2026, and reports on a recent development regarding Air India and Delhi Airport initiating trials for cargo transshipment under new BCAS norms. No earlier publications of this specific narrative were found, indicating high freshness. The content does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The article is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material.
Quotes check
Score: 8
Notes: The article does not contain direct quotes. While this absence can sometimes indicate a lack of original reporting, it also suggests that the information is presented in a summarised form, which is common in news reporting. The lack of direct quotes does not significantly impact the credibility of the article.
Source reliability
Score: 7
Notes: The article originates from Logistics Insider, a niche publication focusing on logistics and supply chain news. While it is not a major news organisation, it is reputable within its niche. However, its reach and influence are limited compared to larger, more widely recognised outlets. The article does not appear to be summarising, rewriting, or aggregating content from another publication, indicating a degree of originality. The source’s limitations and reach are noted, and the content should be cross-verified with other reputable sources.
Plausibility check
Score: 9
Notes: The claims made in the article are plausible and align with known industry trends. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had previously relaxed cargo re-screening guidelines in July 2025, and the article reports on trials being conducted under these new norms. The timing of the trial and the involvement of Air India and Delhi Airport are consistent with the reported policy changes. The article lacks specific factual anchors such as names, institutions, and dates, which would strengthen its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate or official language, and there is no excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is neutral and factual, without unusual drama or vagueness.