Cathay Cargo has identified Southeast Asia and India as key growth markets for air freight, citing rising demand and expanding trade, reports Miami's GetTransport.

The carrier said Southeast Asia is rapidly becoming a major player in global air cargo, while India's growing economy and industrial hubs present strong prospects. Cathay currently operates several freighter flights to India each week and is considering expansion to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

The company stressed the importance of co-terminalisation, which allows cargo transfer between passenger and freighter flights at the same terminal. This improves efficiency, reduces costs and enhances connectivity between markets.

Analysts said the focus on Southeast Asia and India signals broader shifts in global logistics. Efficient cargo movement requires integration with ground transport, warehousing and customs. Cities such as Bengaluru are emerging as freight hubs, demanding investment in multimodal infrastructure.

Industry experts highlighted challenges including airport congestion, traffic delays and complex customs clearance. Responses include terminal expansion, improved road and rail links and digital automation to speed up processing.

The rise of Southeast Asia and India is expected to reshape global cargo flows, with co-terminalisation and infrastructure upgrades driving efficiency.