Amazon Air expands cargo network with Guwahati–Kolkata route

Summary

Amazon has expanded its dedicated cargo network in India by adding Guwahati and Kolkata to Amazon Air, aiming to improve delivery speeds across the Northeast.

NEW DELHI, March 13, 2026 — Amazon India said it has expanded its air cargo network to include Guwahati and Kolkata, strengthening connectivity to northeastern states and reducing reliance on surface transport routes.

The company said the move could cut delivery times significantly across the region by routing shipments through air hubs before last-mile distribution.

Network expansion

Launched in India in 2023, Amazon Air initially connected major logistics hubs including Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. With Guwahati and Kolkata added, the network now links northeastern states more directly with national fulfilment centres.

The inaugural flight to Guwahati was flagged off at Indira Gandhi International Airport by Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India’s Union Minister of Civil Aviation.

Regional logistics impact

Officials said improved air connectivity could support regional trade by helping small businesses move goods more efficiently to national markets.

Ravi Kota, chief secretary of Assam, said faster logistics could help local enterprises scale and compete with sellers in larger metros.

The Northeast has historically faced logistical bottlenecks due to terrain constraints and limited transport corridors.

Operational model

Amazon said the network combines its dedicated freighter capacity with cargo space on commercial passenger flights. The hybrid system currently supports more than 100 origin-destination routes across India.

Industry analysts say the expansion reflects growing demand for faster e-commerce fulfilment in underserved regions.

Why this matters

• Regional access: Improves connectivity for northeastern markets.
• SME growth: Supports small businesses and local producers.
• Logistics shift: Highlights rising role of air freight in e-commerce.

FAQs

Q1. How will this affect delivery times?

Amazon says shipments across the Northeast could move significantly faster via air routing.

Q2. Which states benefit?

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

Q3. Is Amazon adding more aircraft?

The company is optimizing routes using existing freighters and airline cargo capacity.

Q4. Why is this expansion important?

It reduces transit bottlenecks linked to geography and infrastructure constraints.

Q5. When did Amazon Air launch in India?

It began operations in January 2023.

Q6. Who flagged off the flight?

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.