Brussels Airport aims to set up a pharma corridor with Hyderabad, which is a logical addition to Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals being one of its key target segments. The fact that there are no direct flights between the two airports yet should not be much of a problem, thinks expert, Frank Van Gelder.
According to the press release issued by the Brussels Airport company, the MoU agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in air cargo development by sharing knowledge and improving connectivity between Brussels and Hyderabad.
“The partnership will also explore how Brussels Airport’s expertise in pharmaceutical logistics and Hyderabad’s life sciences ecosystem can complement each other and create new opportunities for collaboration,” it reads.
“Brussels Airport and Hyderabad International Airport aim to build closer ties between their pharma and life sciences communities, creating a stronger bridge between the heart of Europe and India. While there is currently no direct air connection between Brussels and Hyderabad, both airports will work together to identify opportunities to strengthen connectivity and further develop cargo links between Belgium and India.”
Two strong pharma ecosystems
“As Europe’s preferred pharma and life sciences hub, Brussels Airport has built a strong ecosystem and extensive expertise in pharmaceutical logistics. Combined with Hyderabad’s leading life sciences ecosystem, this creates valuable opportunities for future cooperation and knowledge exchange,” says Arnaud Feist, CEO Brussels Airport.
“Our collaboration with Brussels Airport strengthens our ability to connect Hyderabad with the wider European cargo ecosystem and supports our ambition to build a more globally integrated cargo network. By bringing together market expertise, industry partnerships and complementary strengths, we can create new opportunities for businesses in Hyderabad and across the region while strengthening the airport’s role in India’s international trade corridors,” says Kadhir Kadhiravan, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.
Top pharma region
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of the pharma logistics collaboration platform, Pharma.Aero, applauds the MoU. “Hyderabad is the life science region of India and is a very strong global player in the field of medicines. About 60% of the generic (brandless, MS) medicines consumed worldwide originate in India.”
“India ranks 3rd worldwide when it comes to pharma production, but only 11th for value. In other words, there are large volumes, but with relatively low product value and margins. For 2025-2026, some USD 32 billion of export value is expected to 191 countries, of which 50% are strongly regulated markets.”
Mr Van Gelder further points out that the Indian pharma logistics market for 2025 is estimated at USD 24 billion, growing to USD 28 billion by 2033. “The gap between volume and value demonstrates that there is quite some room to grow towards high-value biologics, precision therapies and more complex supply chains.”
Middle East carriers
Therefore, it is imperative to set up corridors along the two main axes, Mumbai and Hyderabad. “Especially as, since Covid, India is also developing more of these high-end bio sciences. It is a high-top pharma country, and you mustn’t forget its location between the Asia and Middle East/Europe regions.”
The Middle East carriers are very well connected to India and offer very short lead times. So, the lack of direct flights is not much of a problem, even if this makes the issue a bit more complex, Mr Van Gelder concludes. “And, if I may venture into a marginal note, driven by an immense debt pressure, many countries are looking at keeping their healthcare budget down. The quest for cheaper medication is already on. This year, France has already imported twice the number of Indian medicines than the year before.”
