Christmas shipments were carefully planned months in advance, with air freight used mainly for perishables, e-commerce and urgent cargo, reported Mumbai's STAT Trade Times.

Executives said most festive merchandise was shipped by sea before October to ensure shelves are stocked by November. December logistics focus on time-sensitive goods rather than general merchandise.

Akbar Shaikh of Galaxy Freight said air cargo demand in December is driven by parcels, perishables and industrial shipments. Supal Shah of Sarjak Containers noted Christmas week itself is not a high shipping period in western markets.

Kaushal Khakar of Kaybee Exports said perishables account for 70-80 per cent of air export volumes during Christmas, including fruits and vegetables bound for the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Speed and freshness are critical for these shipments.

Rising passenger travel reduces cargo space in aircraft bellies, while freighter operations face cancellations if volumes are insufficient. This creates temporary shortages and higher rates. Maintaining temperature control for perishables is another challenge.

Sea freight continues to dominate festive goods, with refrigerated containers carrying exports such as grapes. But ocean shipping faces congestion, blank sailings and slow steaming. Larger challenges loom with China's peak season before the New Year, requiring advance planning by Indian importers.