Mumbai airport to suspend freighter flights from August 16
Mumbai airport will suspend all freighter operations from August 16 in order to carry out infrastructure upgrade.
Mumbai airport is the second busiest in India for cargo operations handling 24 per cent of country’s total freight movement. The airport’s move is being seen as a pressure tactic to force airlines to shift operations to Navi Mumbai airport which is due for inauguration in June.
While freighter movement is being restricted, cargo will continue to be carried on passenger aircraft to/from Mumbai. However a ban on freighters will mean lesser capacity as a Boeing 777 or 747 cargo aircraft can take around 100 tonnes of payload.
“ Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) needs to carry out multiple airside works including building new taxiways for runway 14/32 to enhance its capacity and bring efficiency in operations. MIAL, therefore, has no options but to temporarily shut down part of cargo facilities,” the airport operator wrote in a letter to airlines on April 21. The letter states that freighter operations will be closed from August 16 till further notice.
Between April 2024 and February 2025, Mumbai airport handled 5.94 lakh tonnes of international cargo, a growth of 11.9 per cent, and 2.15 lakh tonnes of domestic cargo a growth of 1.8 per cent
Caught by surprise
The airport’s move has taken carriers by surprise and some said there was no prior consultation with them. “We think this is just a move to force airlines to shift their operations to Navi Mumbai,” said an airline executive. The issue is likely to be discussed in a meeting between airlines and airports on Friday.
An aviation source said warehouse and cold storage facilities are being readied in Navi Mumbai. These would require regulatory approvals. Besides, certified screeners would be needed for x-raying the cargo. This is expected to be ready by August, he said.
Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports did not respond to email query on the topic. An airport executive said engagement is on with airlines and the best solution will be found. “There will be no interruption in cargo movement,” he said.
Published on April 22, 2025
