Cathay Cargo, the cargo division of the Cathay Group, has shifted its Mumbai freighter operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), effective September 21, 2026, strengthening its cargo connectivity from western India to international markets.
Under the new arrangement, Cathay Cargo will operate three dedicated freighter flights per week between Navi Mumbai and its Hong Kong hub. The services will be operated using Boeing 747-400ERF and Boeing 747-8F aircraft, offering main-deck cargo capacity and nose-door loading facilities to accommodate oversized and heavy shipments.
Through its Hong Kong hub, Cathay Cargo connects Indian businesses to key markets across the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia, North America and other international destinations. The relocation is expected to provide enhanced air cargo connectivity and specialist handling capabilities for exporters, manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises across western India.
Rajesh Menon, Cathay Regional Head of Cargo for South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, said the move reinforces the airline’s commitment to the Indian market and its growth potential. He highlighted the combination of Navi Mumbai International Airport’s modern infrastructure, Cathay Cargo’s dedicated freighter operations and its specialist cargo-handling expertise in providing reliable global connectivity for regional businesses.
In addition to the Navi Mumbai operations, Cathay Cargo operates five weekly freighter flights each from Delhi and Chennai, further strengthening its dedicated freighter network in India.
The airline also offers specialised cargo solutions through its product portfolio, including Cathay Expert for oversized, heavy and project cargo; Cathay Pharma for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments; Cathay Fresh for perishables; Cathay Priority for time-sensitive consignments; and Cathay Live for the transportation of live animals.
Cathay Cargo’s operations at Hong Kong International Airport are supported by IATA CEIV certifications covering pharmaceuticals, fresh products, live animals and lithium batteries.
Beyond dedicated freighter services, Cathay Cargo also utilises the belly-hold capacity of Cathay Pacific passenger flights from five Indian gateways – Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Cathay Pacific currently operates 45 passenger flights per week across these cities, providing additional cargo capacity and connections to Hong Kong and onward international destinations.
The shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport marks another development in the expansion of India’s air cargo infrastructure, providing exporters and logistics operators in western India with additional access to global air freight networks.