Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), one of India’s principal cargo gateways, has announced a planned suspension of freighter operations for approximately ten months to facilitate a major infrastructure overhaul. The airport operator has indicated that the closure, scheduled from August 2026 to May 2027, is necessary to replace ageing apron surfaces and upgrade associated cargo facilities, a move that will impact freight logistics across the Mumbai metropolitan region.
Urban transport and logistics experts highlight that CSMIA, which handles more than 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually, faces severe spatial constraints. While the airport has two runways, only one can be operational at any given time, limiting flexibility in managing simultaneous passenger and cargo movements. The planned suspension underscores the operational challenges of expanding cargo capacity at high-density airports where infrastructure is nearing the end of its design life. The upgrades include a complete reconstruction of the cargo apron and the recarpeting of the main runway. Plans also involve creating a new taxiway to connect the second runway and the demolition of certain existing cargo structures. Mumbai airport authorities have emphasised that relocating freighter operations within the airport is not feasible due to ongoing passenger flights and space limitations, making a temporary suspension unavoidable.
Industry analysts note that the disruption comes at a critical time for exporters. Cargo stakeholders have expressed concern that rerouting freighters to alternative hubs, including Navi Mumbai International Airport, is not yet operationally viable, potentially increasing costs and affecting export timelines. Last year, the sector had already contended with tariff pressures, adding further urgency to maintaining operational continuity wherever possible. Despite these challenges, airport planners argue that the modernisation effort is essential for long-term efficiency, safety, and reliability. Improved apron and runway infrastructure will allow for higher throughput, better aircraft turnaround times, and safer cargo handling, aligning with broader goals of sustainable airport operations and climate-resilient logistics. Experts note that upfront disruption may be offset by enhanced capacity and lower operational risks once the upgrade is completed.
For Mumbai’s metropolitan economy, ensuring freight continuity during the upgrade will require coordinated planning between airport authorities, logistics operators, and exporters. Analysts suggest that temporary interventions, such as scheduling adjustments and alternative cargo consolidation strategies, will be crucial to minimise disruption while the airport undertakes its infrastructure improvements. As India’s second-busiest airport and a key node in global trade, CSMIA’s cargo upgrade reflects the ongoing challenge of modernising urban transport infrastructure within space-constrained environments. The initiative is expected to set a precedent for future freight-capacity expansion projects in major metropolitan airports.
Mumbai Airport Freighter Upgrade To Begin August 2026
