Air Cargo Agents Warn Mumbai Freighter Suspension Could Hit India’s Exports

India’s air cargo industry is raising serious concerns after Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) announced plans to suspend dedicated freighter flights for nearly 10 months as part of major infrastructure upgrades—a move that experts warn could disrupt export logistics, increase freight rates, and damage India’s reputation as a global air cargo hub. Business Standard + 1 https://www.arc-worldwide.com/city/sea-freight-forwarding-delhi.html

What’s Happening at Mumbai Airport?

The Adani Group-led Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which operates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)—India’s second-largest air cargo hub—informed stakeholders in December 2025 that freighter flights will be suspended from August 2026 through May 2027. Indian Transport & Logistics

The suspension is part of a significant upgrade project that includes:

Re-carpeting the main runway
Constructing a new taxiway
Rebuilding Apron “G” (the primary area used for cargo aircraft operations)

As a result, dedicated freighter operations—cargo aircraft flights—will not be possible at CSMIA during this period. Indian Transport & Logistics

While Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has started commercial operations and has cargo infrastructure, many freight carriers are still evaluating whether and when to shift their operations there. Indian Transport & Logistics

Why the Suspension Is Concerning for Exports

1. Reduced Cargo Capacity

In the fiscal year 2024–25, Mumbai airport handled nearly 889,900 tonnes of air cargo, accounting for almost a quarter of India’s total air cargo traffic. Business Standard

Air cargo agents warn that removing dedicated freighter capacity for 10 months could significantly reduce the ability to handle export shipments—particularly large, heavy, or time-critical goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value electronics. Business Standard

2. Higher Freight Rates

With reduced capacity, demand for available cargo space could exceed supply, potentially pushing freight rates higher. Air cargo rates are sensitive to capacity fluctuations, and when dedicated freighter flights are limited, shippers often have to rely on passenger aircraft belly cargo—which is more expensive and has limited space. Business Standard

3. Risk to India’s Export Reputation

Industry bodies, including the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI), fear that this prolonged suspension could harm India’s standing as a reliable air cargo hub. Freight forwarders caution that international exporters and importers might shift to other hubs if consistent freighter capacity isn’t assured. Business Standard

Industry Reactions and Warnings

ACAAI’s Concerns

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) responded to the suspension notice with urgency, urging MIAL to rethink the decision and devise a plan that allows freighter operations to continue even during the upgrades. Business Standard

ACAAI emphasized:

The announcement was made without a clear mitigation plan
The suspension may not remain strictly within 10 months
Passenger aircraft cannot fully substitute for freighter services, especially for large or outsize cargo loads Business Standard

Potential Long-Term Impact

Industry stakeholders caution that if freighter ops are paused for too long, airlines may redeploy their dedicated freighter aircraft to other regions, making it challenging to bring them back promptly once the runway and apron work is complete. Business Standard

Will Passenger Flights Help Fill the Gap?

MIAL and some aviation officials have suggested that passenger aircraft belly capacity—where cargo is carried under the passenger cabin—could help offset the loss of dedicated freighter flights. However, air cargo experts strongly disagree:

Passenger flights have limited cargo capacity
They cannot handle large, heavy, or specialized shipments as efficiently as freighters
Belly cargo routing and handling constraints make them unsuitable for full export replacement Business Standard

According to airport data, Mumbai currently handles about 7–8 cargo flight departures per day, many of which are freighters—a capacity that would be difficult to replace with passenger services alone. Business Standard

What About Navi Mumbai International Airport?

The new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has begun operations and could serve as an alternative hub for freighter operations. However, the cargo ecosystem is still developing:

While NMIA has cargo handling facilities, they may not yet match the scale of CSMIA
Forwarders are evaluating operational costs, logistics connections, and infrastructure readiness
Transitioning operations is not instantaneous and requires planning and coordination

Industry experts stress that NMIA’s success as a cargo hub depends on robust ground infrastructure, customs facilitation, and seamless connectivity—aspects that will evolve over time.

What Exporters Should Watch

Exporters and supply chain managers should stay informed about:

Official timelines from MIAL on runway and apron work
Cargo capacity plans at Navi Mumbai Airport
Changes in freight rates—especially for exports to Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia
Statements from ACAAI and other logistics bodies for mitigation strategies

Staying ahead on planning and alternative routing options will be crucial for businesses that rely on air cargo to meet delivery commitments.

Conclusion

The proposed long suspension of freighter operations at Mumbai airport presents a formidable challenge for India’s export logistics. While infrastructure upgrades are necessary for long-term efficiency, the lack of a clear mitigation strategy has raised red flags among industry stakeholders. If not carefully managed, the suspension could lead to reduced cargo capacity, higher freight rates, and a downturn in India’s export momentum—potentially encouraging shippers to look toward alternative hubs for global logistics. Business Standard

FAQs

1. Why are freighter flights being suspended at Mumbai airport?
Freighter operations are scheduled to halt from August 2026 to May 2027 to allow runway recarpeting, new taxiway construction, and apron rebuilding. Indian Transport & Logistics

2. How could this suspension affect freight rates?
Reduced dedicated cargo capacity may tighten supply and push up air freight rates, making exports more expensive. Business Standard

3. Can passenger planes replace freighter capacity?
No—passenger belly cargo cannot fully absorb the volume or type of freight that dedicated freighters handle. Business Standard

4. What percentage of India’s air cargo does Mumbai handle?
In FY2024–25, Mumbai airport handled about 889,900 tonnes, nearly 25% of India’s total air cargo. Business Standard

5. Will this suspension damage India’s cargo hub reputation?
Industry bodies warn it could harm India’s reputation as a reliable global air cargo hub if not mitigated effectively.

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