January 5, 2026: Mumbai Airport has issued a formal clarification to address growing concerns within the logistics and aviation industry regarding the future of cargo operations amid upcoming infrastructure works. The airport operator has categorically denied reports suggesting a complete shutdown of cargo activities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), confirming that cargo movement will continue during the airside redevelopment planned between August 2026 and May 2027.
In its official response, the operator stated, “Reports suggesting a closure of cargo operations from August 2026 to May 2027 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, are incorrect.” The clarification was issued after industry stakeholders raised alarms over potential disruptions to air cargo flows from one of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
According to the airport authority, while dedicated freighter aircraft operations will be temporarily suspended during the construction period, cargo handling at CSMIA will not come to a halt. The planned infrastructure works include runway recarpeting, the construction of a new taxiway, and the reconstruction of Apron G, which has reached the end of its operational lifespan. The operator stressed that these upgrades are critical for maintaining safety, efficiency, and long-term capacity.
Explaining the continuity plan, the statement noted, “Only dedicated cargo freighter operations will be suspended during this period, while overall cargo movement continues seamlessly, with approximately 65% of volumes handled through belly cargo on passenger flights.” This arrangement is expected to ensure that a majority of cargo volumes continue to be processed despite the temporary operational changes.
To address concerns related to freighter capacity, Adani Airports highlighted the role of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). As the operator of both airports, it said it “remains in close engagement with freighter operators to ensure that no freighter capacity moves out of the Mumbai region.”
Mumbai is among India’s top air cargo gateways, serving exporters and importers across western and southern states. Industry bodies, including the Air Cargo Agents Association of India, had earlier warned that prolonged suspension of freighter operations could impact uplift capacity and raise logistics costs.
Reiterating its long-term vision, the airport operator said infrastructure upgrades are essential to meet India’s growing cargo demands and pointed to recent developments such as the commissioning of Taxiway M. Inviting industry participation, Adani Airports stated, “Adani Airports invites all stakeholders with concerns to reach out and visit our facilities to see firsthand the value these enhancements bring to trade.”
Source: Scanx
