Mumbai’s air cargo infrastructure is entering a period of significant change, and companies moving cargo through Western India should begin planning for potential capacity and routing challenges.
The phased shutdown of Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is scheduled to begin January 15, 2027. The transition is expected to put additional pressure on an airport system already facing capacity constraints, with airlines evaluating how operations will be distributed between CSMIA Terminal 2, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), and other facilities.
For air cargo shippers, however, the changes extend beyond passenger terminal operations.
Cargo congestion is already a concern
Mumbai is currently experiencing air cargo congestion, with reports of truck waiting times reaching as long as three days. Lufthansa Cargo also temporarily suspended its Mumbai freighter operation in September due to congestion and construction-related operating constraints.
At the same time, dedicated freighter operations are increasingly shifting toward Navi Mumbai.
Cathay Cargo moved its Mumbai freighter operation to NMIA on September 21, while the airport continues to develop its international cargo network, including services from Hong Kong and other international cargo operators.
As these changes continue, shippers may see impacts across several areas:
Capacity: Reduced flexibility at CSMIA could make certain flight schedules and routings more difficult to secure, particularly during peak periods.
Transit times: Airport congestion can affect more than flight schedules. Truck queues, cargo acceptance, handling and customs processes can all add time to the overall shipment.
Airfreight rates: When available capacity tightens or aircraft operate at high load factors, disruptions can place upward pressure on spot airfreight rates.
Inland logistics: Using a different airport changes the first- and last-mile transportation requirements. Trucking costs, transit times and overall logistics costs should be evaluated alongside the airfreight rate.
Routing options: For time-sensitive shipments, evaluating alternate gateways in advance can provide additional flexibility if congestion or capacity constraints increase.
Navi Mumbai’s growing role
Navi Mumbai International Airport is becoming an increasingly important part of the Mumbai air cargo market.
NMIA has been developed with dedicated cargo infrastructure, including facilities supporting international and domestic cargo, express shipments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, oversized cargo and other specialized freight. Truck staging and cargo handling infrastructure are also being developed to support future cargo volumes.
As more carriers and freight operators establish services at NMIA, the airport could provide shippers with an important alternative to CSMIA.
What shippers should evaluate now
Companies sourcing from Western India and surrounding manufacturing regions should consider reviewing their airfreight strategies before capacity constraints become service disruptions.
Key considerations include:
- Which carriers are moving freighter operations to NMIA
- Which international destinations can be served efficiently from NMIA
- Whether belly or freighter capacity is the better fit for specific cargo
- Additional trucking costs and transit times associated with alternate gateways
- Backup routing options for time-sensitive shipments
- Customs and cargo-handling capabilities at alternate airports
The next 12–18 months could bring meaningful changes to the air cargo landscape in Western India. Building flexibility into routing plans now can help shippers respond more effectively as airport capacity, carrier operations and cargo flows evolve.
Mohawk Global’s India and South Asia trade experts are closely monitoring the situation and can help you build strategies to keep your supply chain moving, reach out today.