MUMBAI- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai (BOM) will halt all cargo flight operations starting August 16, 2025, due to extensive infrastructure upgrades.
The suspension affects India’s second-busiest cargo facility and impacts 24 airlines, including major carriers Lufthansa (LH), Emirates (EK), and Cathay Pacific (CX).
Mumbai Airport to Stop Cargo Operations
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) announced the decision in a communication to airlines on Monday, April 21.
“We need to carry out multiple works on airside, including building a new taxiway to enhance the capacity of runway 14/32 and bring efficiency in operations… The airport, therefore, has no option left but to temporarily shut down part of the cargo facilities.”
MIAL
The airport faces severe capacity constraints due to two intersecting runways and limited available land.
These limitations have resulted in slower traffic growth compared to other Indian airports. To address these issues, the airport plans to invest approximately Rs 10,000 crore in infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure Improvements
The comprehensive upgrade includes:
- Building a new domestic terminal
- Increasing capacity in Terminal 2 (primarily used for international flights)
- Constructing new taxiways
- Enhancing runway capacity
Shift to Navi Mumbai
Sources familiar with the development indicate the upgrades align with Adani Group’s strategy to eventually move freighter operations to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport (NMI). This shift aims to free up space at Mumbai airport (BOM) for passenger aircraft operations.
The new Navi Mumbai airport (NMI), scheduled to open in June, includes plans for a dedicated cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 2.6 million metric tonnes. The master plan allocates 29 hectares for cargo operations, including 10 freighter stands and a fully automated terminal.
Cargo industry executives warn the suspension will significantly impact imports of time-sensitive products, particularly pharmaceuticals.
“Mumbai airport is not just another cargo hub—it is the backbone of India’s pharma exports, handling over 50% of the country’s outbound pharmaceutical shipments.”
Satish Lakkaraju, CEO, GarudaVega Logistics
Lakkaraju emphasised that pharmaceutical products require precise timing and temperature control, and even brief delays can affect global supply commitments and product quality. Additionally, imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical equipment, and essential raw materials will face disruptions, potentially causing backlogs, delays, and increased costs.
Industry Concerns
An executive from an international airline expressed uncertainty about whether the new Navi Mumbai Airport (NMI) will provide adequate infrastructure for handling air cargo, including temperature-controlled warehouses, efficient customs facilities, and advanced technology systems for tracking and managing shipments.
The suspension’s duration remains unspecified, with MIAL stating the measure will continue “until further notice.”
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
