ULWE- Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) has launched its first dedicated international freighter service with IndiGo CarGo (6E) operating a scheduled cargo flight to Sharjah Airport (SHJ). The milestone marks the airport’s transition from passenger belly cargo to full-scale international freighter operations.
The inaugural flight follows the airport’s first international cargo shipment on Air India Express (IX) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in July. With dedicated freighter operations shifting away from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) during infrastructure upgrades, NMI is rapidly establishing itself as a key cargo gateway for western India, STAT Times reported.
IndiGo CarGo First Flight from Navi Mumbai Airport
IndiGo CarGo operated its first dedicated international freighter flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport on August 1, with an Airbus A321-211 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F), registered VT-IKX, departing for Sharjah at 10:00 p.m. IST.
The aircraft arrived at Navi Mumbai from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) earlier in the day before continuing on the routing BLR-NMI-SHJ-Delhi (DEL).
According to Mark Sutch, Head of International Development and Chief Commercial Officer Cargo at IndiGo, the Navi Mumbai to Sharjah service will become a regular non-scheduled freighter operation. The inaugural flight carries a mix of general cargo and perishable goods, highlighting the airport’s growing capability to handle specialized freight.
The launch represents another important milestone in Navi Mumbai Airport’s cargo expansion strategy after successfully commencing international cargo handling through passenger aircraft belly space just weeks earlier.
Airport’s Cargo Growth Began with Passenger Belly Operations
Navi Mumbai International Airport handled its first international cargo shipment on July 15 when Air India Express (IX) transported 1,789 kilograms of fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi aboard flight IX207.
The service operates twice every week on Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Navi Mumbai at 2:55 a.m. The return flight, IX208, reaches Navi Mumbai at 10:20 a.m. from Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural July 15 operation was flown using a Boeing 737 MAX 8, while subsequent services have also utilized the Airbus A320neo. Although the outbound flight carried export cargo, the first inbound service did not transport freight.
This successful operation demonstrated the airport’s readiness for international cargo handling and laid the foundation for dedicated freighter services.
Freighter Shift from Mumbai Creates Opportunity for NMI
The timing of IndiGo CarGo’s launch coincides with major infrastructure upgrades planned at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) will temporarily suspend dedicated freighter operations at Mumbai Airport from August 2026 until May 2027. The project includes runway and taxiway improvements along with the reconstruction of the dedicated freighter apron.
The temporary closure is prompting several international cargo airlines to relocate operations to Navi Mumbai, creating an opportunity for the newer airport to establish itself as an alternative cargo gateway for the Mumbai metropolitan region.
Cathay Cargo has already confirmed plans to temporarily move its Mumbai freighter operations to Navi Mumbai. The airline’s existing three-times-weekly summer cargo service will operate from the new airport during the infrastructure works.
More International Cargo Airlines Expand into Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai International Airport will further strengthen its international cargo network when Hong Kong Air Cargo (RH) launches weekly charter services between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Navi Mumbai beginning August 10, 2026.
The Monday service will depart Hong Kong at 9:00 a.m. and arrive in Navi Mumbai at 1:20 p.m. local time. The return flight will leave Navi Mumbai at 2:50 p.m. and reach Hong Kong at 11:20 p.m.
Hong Kong Air Cargo currently operates a fleet of six Airbus A330 freighters serving destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Navi Mumbai will become the airline’s third destination in India after Chennai and Delhi.
Other international cargo carriers are also evaluating temporary relocation plans.
Air France, which currently operates two weekly cargo services between Paris and Mumbai, has indicated that operations may shift to Navi Mumbai pending regulatory approvals. Lufthansa Cargo is also holding discussions with airport authorities regarding its future operating plans during the Mumbai Airport upgrade period.
Modern Cargo Infrastructure Supports Future Expansion
Navi Mumbai International Airport has developed dedicated cargo infrastructure capable of handling domestic and international shipments.
The facilities include specialized storage and handling capabilities for pharmaceuticals, perishables, valuable cargo, and other time-sensitive freight. These capabilities position the airport to serve industries requiring strict handling standards and rapid logistics.
The airport’s long-term cargo strategy also includes FedEx’s planned 300,000-square-foot automated air cargo hub, which is expected to further strengthen Navi Mumbai’s role in India’s air freight network.
With IndiGo CarGo launching regular international freighter services and additional global airlines preparing to operate from the airport, Navi Mumbai is rapidly evolving into a significant international cargo hub that complements Mumbai’s existing aviation infrastructure while supporting growing regional trade.
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