Chile Air Freight Transport Market Size, Share - Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends 2026-2030

Chile's air freight transport market occupies a vital niche within the country's $21.42 billion logistics sector, serving as a high-value corridor for perishable exports, mining equipment, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. The market handled approximately 477,100 tonnes of cargo through Chilean airports in recent IATA data, reflecting its importance despite Chile's long Pacific coastline and extensive port infrastructure. Unlike maritime freight, which dominates volume, air freight captures premium pricing on time-sensitive and high-value shipments, with the segment now benefiting from dedicated freighter capacity on regional routes.

• •Market size estimated at $0.71 billion in 2025, forecast to reach $1.01 billion by 2030
• •Part of Chile's overall logistics market valued at $21.42 billion in 2025
• •Air cargo throughput of approximately 477,100 tonnes tracked through Chilean airports
• •Aviation sector contributes roughly $5.2 billion to Chile's national GDP

The market's 7.20% CAGR reflects several converging forces, including Chile's status as a major global exporter of fresh fruit, salmon, and copper, all of which require speed and temperature-controlled logistics. Investment in dedicated regional freighters by carriers has expanded capacity on intra-South American routes, reducing transit times and opening new markets for Chilean goods. Growth in e-commerce and cross-border parcel volumes has also created sustained demand for expedited air cargo solutions, while trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have increased international trade flows requiring rapid logistics support.

• •Strong demand from perishable exports (fruit, salmon) and mining sector requiring fast, reliable transport
• •New regional freighter deployments increasing dedicated capacity on South American routes
• •E-commerce growth driving demand for expedited cross-border parcel and express cargo services

Within Chile's logistics ecosystem, the air freight forwarding segment is projected to show particularly strong growth at a 5.03% CAGR between 2026 and 2031, outpacing many other logistics sub-segments. The broader Southern Latin America air freight market, encompassing Chile and neighboring economies, is valued at approximately $7.28 billion in 2025, with Chile positioned as one of the more developed air cargo hubs in the region. Chile's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago serves as the primary air cargo gateway, handling the majority of international volumes, while regional airports in Antofagasta and Concepción support domestic and mining-linked freight flows.

• •Air freight forwarding segment forecast at 5.03% CAGR between 2026 and 2031
• •Southern Latin America air freight market estimated at $7.28 billion in 2025
• •Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is the dominant cargo gateway
• •Regional airports support mining and domestic freight corridors

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The market's trajectory points toward continued above-average growth through 2030, supported by Chile's export-oriented economy and ongoing investments in cold chain infrastructure and airport cargo facilities. Sustainability pressures are beginning to influence fleet decisions, with carriers and freight forwarders exploring sustainable aviation fuel options and carbon offset programs for environmentally conscious shippers. Digitalization of air freight processes, including electronic airway bills and real-time tracking for temperature-sensitive goods, is expected to improve operational efficiency and customer transparency across the supply chain.

• •Market projected to reach $1.01 billion by 2030 at 7.20% CAGR
• •Growing emphasis on sustainable aviation fuel and carbon-neutral logistics initiatives
• •Digital adoption accelerating with electronic documentation and real-time cold chain monitoring