Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has commenced scheduled international cargo operations, with Hong Kong Air Cargo launching a three-times-a-week freighter service between Hong Kong and Navi Mumbai.
The airport received its first dedicated international freighter aircraft on Sunday, with the Airbus A330F marking the start of the new service. The operation is expected to add six weekly cargo movements and handle approximately 60 tonnes of import and export cargo per flight.
International cargo network expands
NMIA is set to add 13 international freighter services as it expands its links with major cargo markets across Asia, Europe and West Asia.
The Hong Kong operation follows the airport’s first dedicated freighter service, launched by IndiGo Cargo on August 1 to Sharjah. The service carried around 20 tonnes of cargo and will operate based on demand.
NMIA had earlier started international passenger operations on July 15, when an Air India Express flight to Abu Dhabi marked the beginning of international passenger connectivity from the airport.
Several international cargo operators have received approvals to operate services from NMIA. The approved destinations include Hong Kong, Chengdu, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai, Amsterdam, Bahrain, Paris and Riyadh.
“With a significant increase in freighter activity expected by the end of August, we are rapidly expanding our international cargo network and strengthening connectivity with key markets across Asia, Europe and West Asia,” a spokesperson for Navi Mumbai International Airport said.
Cargo infrastructure under development
The airport is also expanding its cargo facilities in line with the National Logistics Policy and the Maharashtra Government’s Logistics Policy 2024.
The planned cargo infrastructure will cater to both domestic and international freight, along with express and specialised shipments. These include pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, valuable cargo, oversized consignments and dangerous goods.
The expansion of dedicated freighter operations is expected to strengthen NMIA’s role in Mumbai’s wider logistics network and provide additional cargo connectivity for businesses across the region.
Source: Financial Express
