International cargo airlines prepare shift from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai airport

International cargo airlines are preparing to shift their freighter operations from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai International Airport as the city's existing airport moves ahead with plans to temporarily suspend dedicated cargo aircraft operations for infrastructure upgrades.

According to reporting by Businessline, international carriers have begun negotiating office space, ground handling arrangements and operational contracts ahead of the transition, with freighter services from Navi Mumbai expected to begin next month.

Cargo transition gathers pace

The operational shift comes as Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) prepares to suspend dedicated freighter movements from August 2026 to May 2027 to facilitate airside improvement works.

International passenger services from Navi Mumbai International Airport are scheduled to begin on 15 July, with Air India Express launching flights to Abu Dhabi. Dedicated cargo operations are expected to follow shortly afterwards.

According to Businessline, airlines are now working with airport stakeholders to ensure operations can move with minimal disruption.

Air France plans August transfer

Among the first carriers preparing for the transition is Air France, which currently operates two weekly freighter services between Paris and Mumbai.

The airline said its cargo operations are currently scheduled to move to Navi Mumbai on 1 August, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

Manuel Vaz, Cargo Director for India at Air France-KLM Martinair, said the airline is working closely with authorities and airport stakeholders to complete regulatory processes while finalising operational and ground handling arrangements for the transfer.

He added that demand from India remains healthy across multiple industry sectors and said the move reflects the airline's commitment to providing reliable and future-ready cargo operations.

Lufthansa Cargo monitoring operational readiness

Lufthansa Cargo also confirmed it is coordinating with regulators and airport authorities ahead of the transition.

According to the airline, several operational aspects remain under validation and customers will be informed once the required processes have been completed.

The carrier said it remains in continuous dialogue with the relevant stakeholders as preparations continue.

Operational readiness remains a priority

Industry preparations extend beyond airline planning.

According to an industry executive quoted by Businessline, airlines will conduct audits of cargo handling facilities at Navi Mumbai before beginning operations.

Key operational requirements include:

• Verification of cargo handling infrastructure.
• Assessment of operational workflows.
• Transfer of trained cargo handling personnel where required.
• Issuance of new airport security passes for staff moving from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai.

The executive noted that cargo loading requires certified and highly trained personnel, making operational readiness a critical part of the transition process.

Airside upgrades drive the temporary suspension

MIAL informed airlines in December 2025 of its intention to suspend dedicated freighter aircraft movements for approximately nine months.

According to the airport operator:

• The suspension will run from August 2026 to May 2027.
• The works are required for airside infrastructure improvements.
• Only dedicated freighter aircraft will be affected.
• Cargo carried in the belly hold of passenger aircraft will continue without interruption.

MIAL has previously stated that around 65 per cent of cargo handled at Mumbai airport is transported in passenger aircraft rather than dedicated freighters.

Mumbai remains a major cargo gateway

Mumbai continues to play a significant role in India's air cargo network.

According to figures cited by Businessline, the airport handled 9.27 lakh tonnes of cargo during the last financial year, making it the second busiest cargo airport in India.

The temporary relocation of freighter services to Navi Mumbai is expected to ensure continuity while upgrade works are completed at Mumbai airport. The transition also marks one of the first major operational milestones for Navi Mumbai International Airport as it prepares to expand beyond passenger services and establish itself as a key aviation and logistics hub for western India.