Global Cargo Giants Shift to Navi Mumbai as Mumbai Airport Prepares for Major Repairs
In a significant development for India's aviation logistics, five major international cargo carriers are set to commence freighter operations at the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting May 2026. This strategic move comes nearly three months before cargo-carrying aircraft temporarily cease operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) from August 1, 2026.
Key Players and Transition Timeline
The consortium of global freighters includes industry leaders FedEx and Aerologic—a joint venture between DHL and Lufthansa Cargo. They will be joined by Challenge Air, Atlas Air, and Teleport in establishing operations at NMIA. This transition is directly linked to scheduled infrastructure upgrades at CSMIA, where Apron G—exclusively used for freighters—will undergo complete reconstruction from August 2026 to May 2027, necessitating temporary closure.
"The timing of the transition seems to be directly linked to scheduled runway recarpeting and demolition of the cargo apron at CSMIA which is likely to impact cargo operations with priority given to passenger traffic during curtailed operations," noted Ashish Chhawchharia, partner at Grant Thornton Bharat. "NMIA will likely absorb more freighter traffic during this period to ensure continuity of operations."
Infrastructure Context and Capacity Implications
NMIA, which began operations in December 2025 under Adani Airports Holding Ltd, represents a crucial alternative for cargo movement during CSMIA's repair phase. The airport's development is planned across five phases, with the inaugural phase designed to handle 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo. This capacity is projected to expand significantly to 3.2 million metric tonnes upon completion of all phases.
Bhavana Yerrumreddy, partner at EY India, highlighted the strategic advantage: "The airport's value lies in proximity to the country's largest port ecosystem, as it facilitates sea-air logistics, faster export cycles and reduced dependency on a single congested western airport."
Industry Concerns and Operational Challenges
The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) has expressed concerns regarding the transition, warning that exporters might reroute air cargo through Delhi or Bengaluru. A critical issue raised is the absence of international passenger operations at NMIA, which are expected to commence only by the first quarter of FY27.
This passenger-aircraft linkage is vital for cargo operations, as freighters often rely on passenger flights to transport excess capacity. For instance, if a freighter carries 20 tonnes but can only accommodate 15, the remaining five tonnes typically move via passenger aircraft. ACAAI has emphasized that simultaneous start of freighter and international passenger operations is essential for smooth cargo movement.
Economic Impact and Export Considerations
Indian airports collectively handle approximately 3.3–3.7 million tonnes of air cargo annually, with Mumbai airport contributing a capacity of about 1.45 million tonnes at a 62% utilization rate. The temporary closure of CSMIA's cargo operations raised alarms about potential disruptions to export growth.
In a December 2025 communication, ACAAI warned Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) that a full closure could have an "adverse effect on the continual growth of Indian exports" and substantially increase freight rates. Exporters will also incur additional costs for shifting operations from CSMIA to NMIA during the transition period.
Airport Operator's Assurance and Future Outlook
A spokesperson for the airport operators expressed confidence in facilitating a smooth transition: "With international flight operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport set to commence before the scheduled airside works at CSMIA, we are confident about facilitating the transition for the cargo freighters. To maintain cargo operations within the city and ensure uninterrupted passenger aircraft movements at Mumbai Airport during the airside infrastructure upgrades, we have ensured the timely readiness of an advanced cargo facility at NMIA."
The move represents a strategic realignment of India's air cargo infrastructure, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term capacity expansion while addressing critical export logistics during essential airport maintenance.
