IndiGo has commenced dedicated freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, operating its first cargo flight to Sharjah on Saturday. The milestone marks the launch of scheduled freighter services at India’s newest greenfield airport and signals its emergence as a key air cargo hub.
The airline deployed its Airbus A321 freighter, carrying a mix of perishables and general cargo to Sharjah. IndiGo, which had previously operated ad hoc cargo flights between Mumbai and Sharjah, now plans to establish regular freighter services from Navi Mumbai to cater to the growing demand for air cargo between India and the Middle East.
The move comes as several international cargo operators are preparing to expand their presence at Navi Mumbai. Hong Kong Air Cargo has applied for operating slots and regulatory approvals to launch services, while Air France-KLM is working on shifting its freighter operations from Mumbai to the new airport.
Mumbai International Airport’s proposed suspension of freighter flights for planned airside infrastructure upgrades is expected to accelerate the transition. However, industry experts say airlines are choosing Navi Mumbai primarily because of its operational advantages rather than the temporary suspension.
“Mumbai airport faces significant slot constraints, and obtaining long-duration parking stands for freighter aircraft is increasingly difficult. Navi Mumbai offers ample capacity, modern infrastructure, proximity to industrial clusters, and better connectivity to Pune, making it an attractive cargo gateway,” an aviation industry source said.
For IndiGo, the new airport provides additional opportunities to enhance aircraft utilisation and expand its dedicated cargo network. The airline currently operates three Airbus A321 freighters serving destinations in China and Vietnam, alongside charter cargo services. Its Bengaluru-Dubai freighter operation, conducted in partnership with FedEx, was recently suspended following geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States.
Cargo continues to be a growing business for IndiGo. The airline reported cargo revenue of ₹2,483 crore in FY2025-26, representing a 9.6% year-on-year growth.
In his message to shareholders, IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said the airline transported approximately 450,000 tonnes of cargo during FY2025-26, supported by its extensive domestic and international network, high-frequency operations, and expanding long-haul connectivity.
The launch of freighter operations from Navi Mumbai is expected to strengthen western India’s air cargo ecosystem, offering airlines greater operational flexibility while supporting exporters, manufacturers, and logistics companies with improved connectivity to international markets.