Mumbai Airport Reschedules Long-Term Freighter Suspension to Support Infrastructure Works

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the Adani Group-led operator of CSMIA, has outlined a revised schedule for the suspension of all standalone cargo aircraft movements to accommodate critical airside infrastructure works. The extended pause, running from August 2026 to May 2027, follows a prior announcement earlier in 2025 that was later deferred after industry pushback. The forthcoming works include re-carpeting the main runway, construction of a new parallel taxiway to improve aircraft flow, and the complete reconstruction of Apron G, which currently handles dedicated freighter parking and cargo operations.

With CSMIA among the world’s most space-constrained single-runway airports, MIAL indicated there is no viable alternative location within the existing layout to maintain freighter services during the upgrades. The decision has significant implications for India’s air cargo supply chains, given Mumbai’s role as a major gateway for pharmaceuticals, perishables and time-sensitive goods. Logistics stakeholders are considering diversion of cargo services to alternative airports such as Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) once its cargo facilities become fully operational. Industry bodies, including IATA, have urged MIAL to engage with carriers on mitigating disruption while emphasizing the long-term capacity benefits of the planned enhancements.