Easing of cargo re-screening restriction benefits Indian aviation industry and airports, as per BCAS decision
On July 25, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) announced a significant change in air cargo transit procedures at Indian airports. Under specific conditions, cargo can be flown without re-screening during transit.
The new guidelines apply to four types of transfer shipments: International to International (I–I), International to Domestic (I–D), Domestic to International (D–I), and Domestic to Domestic (D–D). To qualify for this exemption, cargo must be secured at the origin airport, transported in Through Unit Load Devices (ULDs), and originate from countries whose security systems are recognized by India.
All transfer cargo and mail must be processed through a Transfer Cargo Security Hold Area (TCSHA), a designated area within the security-restricted zone of the airport, approved by the Director General of BCAS. Additionally, all transfer cargo will need to be escorted by security staff to and from aircraft.
These changes aim to reduce delays, lower costs, and improve India’s competitiveness as a regional air cargo transshipment hub. The airports in Delhi have taken the initiative to grow the transshipment business, particularly between Bangladesh and Europe.
The existing procedure of handling transit cargo will continue for three more months to allow for the creation of TCSHA. After this period, the mandatory re-screening of transit cargo at Indian airports will be relaxed.
The air cargo industry has welcomed this move, with Manoj Singh, a senior air cargo professional, stating that it will help India achieve its ambition of handling 10 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030. The new rule will aid Air India and IndiGo in growing their cargo volume, strengthening India's position as a key logistics hub in the region.
The Express Industry Council of India supports the new rule and looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders. However, it's important to note that the new rule may result in additional security-related costs that need to be evaluated.
In FY 2024, India handled 3.36 million tonnes of cargo. With these new measures, India hopes to attract high-yielding freight and further boost its air cargo industry. The relaxation of the mandatory requirement for re-screening of transit cargo at Indian airports has been welcomed by the air cargo industry, positioning India as a more attractive option for global cargo transshipment.
- The changes in air cargo transit procedures could potentially lead to an increase in subscription to India's business, as the relaxation of mandatory re-screening may reduce costs and delays, attracting high-yielding freight.
- The aviation industry, including companies like Air India and IndiGo, may benefit from the new business opportunities resulting from these changes, helping India fulfill its ambition of handling 10 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030.
- The new rule will inevitably incur additional security-related costs within the business of air cargo handling, which warrants close evaluation and collaboration with all stakeholders, such as the Express Industry Council of India.
