Cargo Airlines Shift to Navi Mumbai Ahead of Upgrade
Major international cargo carriers, including FedEx Express, Challenge Group, Atlas Air, Teleport, and AeroLogic, are set to begin freighter operations at the new Navi Mumbai International Airport by May 2026. The transition comes ahead of a planned nine-month suspension of dedicated cargo flights at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport starting in August 2026 to facilitate major airside infrastructure upgrades.
The temporary halt at Mumbai’s primary airport will allow authorities to undertake runway and apron improvements aimed at enhancing long-term capacity and operational efficiency. During this period, dedicated freighter services will be redirected to Navi Mumbai, ensuring continuity of cargo connectivity for one of India’s busiest logistics gateways.
The shift underscores Navi Mumbai’s emerging role as a critical cargo hub for western India. Designed to ease congestion at the existing Mumbai International Airport, the new facility is expected to significantly expand regional handling capacity and streamline air freight operations.
In a parallel development, FedEx Express and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd have broken ground on a dedicated cargo hub at Navi Mumbai. The INR25 billion (USD274.9 million) project will span 27,870 square metres and is scheduled for completion in 2028. Once operational, the facility will function as a regional consolidation centre, strengthening FedEx’s network across South Asia and supporting growing cross-border trade flows.
The investment reflects confidence in India’s expanding air cargo market, driven by e-commerce growth, pharmaceutical exports, and time-sensitive manufacturing supply chains. With Navi Mumbai positioned as a modern, purpose-built alternative to the congested existing airport, operators are preparing to leverage improved infrastructure and scalability.
The coordinated relocation of major freighter airlines highlights the strategic importance of maintaining uninterrupted cargo capacity during infrastructure upgrades. By transitioning operations well ahead of the August 2026 suspension, airlines and airport operators aim to minimize disruption while positioning Navi Mumbai as a long-term logistics anchor for India’s financial capital and surrounding industrial corridors.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com