Airdropping humanitarian aid, such as food, is significantly more expensive than traditional ground transportation methods. It costs approximately $16,000 per ton to airdrop food.
The High Cost of Airdropping Aid
Compared to moving food aid by truck, which costs an average of $180 per ton, airdrops represent a substantial increase in operational expenses. This stark difference in cost highlights the challenges and inefficiencies inherent in air delivery.
Cost Comparison: Air vs. Ground Transportation
| Transportation Method | Estimated Cost Per Ton | Source of Data |
|---|---|---|
| Airdrop | $16,000 | U.S. Air Force Study (2016) |
| Truck | $180 | U.S. Air Force Study (2016) |
The data for these costs is based on a U.S. Air Force study conducted in 2016.
Why Airdrops Are Used Despite the Cost
Despite the astronomical cost, airdrops are sometimes employed as a last resort when ground access is severely limited or blocked. For instance, such operations are resorted to when there are blockages preventing the delivery of aid by conventional means. This makes them a necessary, albeit expensive, measure to deliver critical supplies to populations in dire need.
