Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has marked a significant milestone with a notable surge in cargo traffic, recording a remarkable 20% year-on-year increase in Cargo Air Traffic Movements (ATMs).
This surge is underpinned by a robust 6% growth in overall cargo volumes during the fiscal year 2023-24, as reported by the airport authorities. Particularly striking is the 10% upswing in international cargo volumes, underscoring the airport’s growing significance as a pivotal hub for global trade. E-commerce emerges as a key catalyst driving this exponential growth trajectory, significantly impacting CSMIA’s cargo operations. The festive season, notably Diwali, witnessed an impressive 87% year-on-year surge in e-commerce shipments, reflecting the burgeoning consumer demand in the digital marketplace. Moreover, the heightened demand for perishable items, including mango exports during April to July 2023 and seasonal goods like flowers and chocolates during Valentine’s Day, further contributed to the airport’s cargo expansion. Officials highlight that CSMIA’s cargo landscape is characterised by diverse product categories, with automobile products, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural goods emerging as top contenders in international shipments. Domestically, general cargo, engineering goods, and postal mail dominate the cargo repertoire, underscoring the airport’s multifaceted role in facilitating both international and domestic trade flows.
The international cargo volumes at CSMIA are evenly balanced, comprising 56% exports and 44% imports. Notably, top global destinations for outgoing cargo include London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Chicago, and Amsterdam, while domestic routes to Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad lead in cargo movements. This robust cargo network is bolstered by key carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific for international flights, and IndiGo, Vistara, and Akasa Air for domestic routes. Efforts towards digitalisation are further underscored by initiatives such as the Digital Docket Delivery (D-Cube) system, which facilitates seamless online processing, minimises paperwork, and optimises cargo dwell time. These transformative measures position CSMIA as a trailblazer in cargo operations, fostering a conducive environment for trade facilitation and economic growth amidst the evolving dynamics of global commerce.
