Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), the nation’s second-busiest cargo hub, is set to suspend all cargo flight operations from August 16, 2025. This unprecedented move aims to facilitate extensive infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance operational efficiency and capacity.
The decision was communicated to airlines on April 21, 2025, by Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the airport’s operating authority. According to MIAL, the suspension is necessary to undertake critical airside works, including the construction of a new taxiway to bolster the capacity of runway 14/32. These upgrades are part of a broader ₹10,000 crore investment plan to address capacity constraints stemming from the airport’s two intersecting runways and limited available land .
The suspension will impact 24 airlines currently operating cargo flights at CSMIA, including major international carriers such as Lufthansa, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific. The airport’s cargo terminal has been a vital node in India’s logistics network, handling a diverse range of goods, including pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and perishables.In 2024, CSMIA achieved a significant milestone by handling a record-breaking 60,659 metric tonnes of international cargo in March alone, marking a 17% year-on-year increase. The airport’s strategic location and robust infrastructure have made it a critical gateway for both imports and exports, with key trade partners including London, Frankfurt, Chicago, Dubai, and Amsterdam .
The suspension has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, particularly regarding the potential disruption to the pharmaceutical supply chain. Mumbai’s airport handles over 50% of India’s outbound pharmaceutical shipments, and any delays could have significant implications for global supply commitments and product quality . To mitigate the impact, MIAL is coordinating with airlines to facilitate the transfer of cargo operations to alternative airports. Additionally, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), scheduled to commence operations in May 2025, is expected to play a pivotal role in alleviating the pressure on CSMIA. NMIA is designed to handle 2.6 million metric tonnes of cargo annually and will feature a fully automated terminal and dedicated freighter stands.
The transition of cargo operations to NMIA aligns with Adani Group’s long-term strategy to decentralize operations and optimize resource utilization across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. However, the success of this transition will depend on the timely completion of NMIA’s infrastructure and the seamless integration of logistics operations. As Mumbai’s aviation sector undergoes these transformative changes, stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments to ensure that the city’s position as a global logistics hub remains secure. The coming months will be critical in determining the effectiveness of these infrastructure enhancements and their impact on the broader supply chain ecosystem.
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