Mumbai Airport denies cargo shutdown, amid freighter suspension concerns

Mumbai Airport has issued a clarification on reports suggesting a shutdown of cargo operations, stating that cargo movement at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will continue during planned airside infrastructure works between August 2026 and May 2027.

In a statement, the airport operator said reports claiming a complete closure of cargo operations during the period are incorrect.

“Reports suggesting a closure of cargo operations from August 2026 to May 2027 at Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, are incorrect.”

The operator said it will undertake planned airside infrastructure development, including runway recarpeting, construction of a new taxiway and the reconstruction of Apron G. These works will temporarily affect dedicated cargo-handling areas, requiring operational adjustments for freighter aircraft.

“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.”

Commitment to freighter operators

The statement said that Adani Airports remains in close engagement with freighter operators to ensure that no freighter capacity moves out of the Mumbai region. As the operator of both CSMIA and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), it said NMIA will absorb freighter operations during the construction phase.

According to the operator, NMIA will add new cargo-handling capacity of 500,000 metric tonnes per annum and will feature a 24x7 operational eight-lane approach road. This is expected to help retain existing freighters while accommodating additional operators that previously faced slot constraints at Mumbai airport.

Long-term capacity and safety focus

The airport operator said the infrastructure upgrades are essential to meeting long-term cargo capacity requirements while ensuring safety and operational efficiency. It pointed to recent developments, such as the commissioning of Taxiway M and said CSMIA handled cargo throughput of 889,900 metric tonnes in FY25.

“Adani Airports invites all stakeholders with concerns to reach out and visit our facilities to see firsthand the value these enhancements bring to trade.”

Industry concerns

Mumbai is one of India’s top two air cargo gateways, handling around 80,000 tonnes of cargo every month across international and domestic shipments. The airport serves as a critical hub for exporters and importers across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa, particularly for pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics and engineering goods.

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) has written to Adani Airports expressing deep concern over the planned suspension of freighter operations. In its letter, the association warned that dismantling cargo infrastructure without alternate arrangements at the same airport could severely disrupt trade.

While supporting infrastructure upgrades, ACAAI cautioned that a prolonged halt in freighter operations at such a vital gateway could lead to reduced uplift capacity, higher freight rates and increased logistics costs for exporters and freight forwarders. The association also warned that airlines forced to redeploy freighters to other hubs may not return quickly once operations resume.