Mumbai’s air cargo network is entering a period of transition, with capacity constraints at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the growing role of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) expected to reshape freight movement across Western India.
The phased closure of Terminal 1 at CSMIA is scheduled to begin on January 15, 2027. The change could place additional pressure on an airport system already dealing with operational constraints, while airlines determine how services should be distributed between CSMIA, NMIA and other gateways.
Cargo congestion has already emerged as a concern. Reports indicate that trucks have faced waiting periods of up to three days at Mumbai airport. Lufthansa Cargo also temporarily suspended its Mumbai freighter service in September, citing congestion and construction-related operational challenges.
Meanwhile, dedicated freighter activity is increasingly moving towards Navi Mumbai. Cathay Cargo shifted its Mumbai freighter operations to NMIA on September 21, as the new airport expands its international cargo capabilities.
For shippers, the changing landscape could affect capacity availability, transit times, freight rates and inland transportation costs. Airport congestion can delay truck movement, cargo acceptance, handling and customs clearance, adding time beyond the actual flight schedule.
Using NMIA as an alternative gateway could also change first- and last-mile logistics requirements. Companies may need to reassess trucking distances, transportation expenses and overall shipment timelines before selecting an airport.
NMIA is emerging as an important component of Mumbai’s future cargo network, with infrastructure designed to handle domestic and international freight, express shipments, pharmaceuticals, perishables and oversized cargo.
Businesses operating across Western India should therefore review their freight strategies ahead of further changes. They should assess carrier availability, international destinations, freighter and belly capacity, trucking requirements, customs facilities and contingency routes for urgent shipments.
Over the next 12–18 months, changes in airport capacity and airline operations could significantly influence cargo flows across the region. Preparing alternate routing plans now could help businesses manage potential disruptions while taking advantage of NMIA’s expanding role.
Source: Mohawk Global
