Mainstream wide-body freighter operations are set to gather pace at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) as Qatar Cargo and Cathay Pacific Cargo are expected to be among the first movers, starting operations by August 26, 2026, FE can confirm. It is not clear, however, whether the carriers will make a complete shift from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to NMIA or initially operate from both airports.
Aerologic, DHL, Turkish Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo and Saudia Cargo are also likely to commence dedicated freighter operations from NMIA by the end of next month. Most carriers are expected to deploy Boeing 777 freighters, while Cathay Cargo is likely to use either the Boeing 747-400F or larger 747-8F, depending on cargo loads.
Freighter operations at NMIA began more than six months after the launch of passenger services, giving the airport time to build adequate capacity and infrastructure. Sources said the airport is now receiving more queries for both scheduled and non-scheduled freighter slots.
The airport is ready to handle additional dedicated freighter operations, with most pre-arrangements in place. Aircraft parking positions, loading bays and cargo-handling equipment are available, while personnel have been trained to handle freighter operations and coordinate with cargo airline staff.
The airport operator’s target of shifting all dedicated freighter operations from Mumbai to NMIA by August 26 appears difficult to meet. Discussions are under way for the complete migration to take place by late September or even October, covering scheduled as well as non-scheduled dedicated cargo operators using NMIA as the gateway to Mumbai.
At present, Afcom Cargo, with Boeing 737-800F aircraft, and Hong Kong Cargo, with Airbus A330-200F aircraft, have commenced dedicated freighter operations from NMIA.
However, despite the airport being ready to accommodate more freighters, sources told FE that delays persist due to limited operational equipment and staff availability, resulting in longer turnaround times.
More non-scheduled operators, including YTO Cargo, Suparna Airlines and Challenge Group, are expected to begin flights from NMIA in the coming weeks once all clearances are in place.
The shift is also expected to gain momentum as slot availability at CSMIA comes under increasing pressure. The migration would allow NMIA to build cargo volumes while easing operational constraints at Mumbai’s existing airport.
The transition, however, is likely to be phased, with individual carriers assessing schedules, operational requirements and customer networks before moving their entire freighter operations. The pace of migration will depend on how quickly airlines align schedules and ground-handling arrangements at NMIA.