Air India Cargo has successfully transported the first international export shipment from the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s cargo operations and strengthening India’s agricultural export connectivity.
The inaugural 1.79-tonne consignment, consisting of freshly harvested guavas and drumstick (Moringa oleifera) pods, was flown to Abu Dhabi on 15 July aboard an Air India Express passenger flight, coinciding with the launch of the airport’s international passenger services.
Air India Express currently operates the Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi route three times a week using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, offering approximately 2.5 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity per flight. The airline expects the service to transport nearly 25 tonnes of cargo every month, supporting the movement of perishables and other time-sensitive commodities from western India to the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, said the launch of the new international cargo route provides fresh opportunities for Indian exporters.
“This first export shipment from Navi Mumbai connects growers, traders and businesses in western India directly with one of the region’s most important international markets. Reliable air connectivity is critical for preserving the quality of fresh produce while helping Indian exporters reach global consumers,” he said.
Air India Cargo has expanded its capabilities in recent years to support the growing demand for transporting perishables, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive products. The airline’s cargo operations are supported by specialised cold-chain equipment, including cool dollies and thermal blankets, which help maintain temperature integrity during handling between warehouses and aircraft.
Mamidala emphasised that maintaining product quality throughout the logistics chain is as important as speed.
“Investments in cold-chain infrastructure and globally certified handling processes are enabling us to provide exporters with the reliability they need. Every shipment represents the combined efforts of farmers, traders, freight forwarders and logistics partners, and our role is to connect them with global opportunities,” he added.
The Gulf continues to be one of the most important export destinations for Indian fresh produce. The additional cargo capacity from Navi Mumbai is expected to provide growers and exporters across Maharashtra with faster and more efficient access to premium international markets.
Developed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) in partnership with CIDCO, Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced domestic commercial operations on 25 December and has now begun handling international passenger and cargo traffic.
The airport is also emerging as a key cargo hub. Earlier this week, Cathay Cargo announced that it will shift its freighter operations from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport while runway upgrade works are carried out at Mumbai Airport and dedicated freighter operations remain temporarily suspended.
