The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sharply criticised Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) for its decision to halt cargo freighter operations from Mumbai Airport and permanently withdraw historic slots for these services from the upcoming season. Calling the move “deeply disappointing,” IATA urged the airport operator to immediately retract the decision and engage in urgent consultations with stakeholders.
In a strongly worded statement, John Middleton, Head for Worldwide Airport Slots at IATA, remarked, “IATA is surprised and deeply disappointed that Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has informed airlines of the unilateral cessation of cargo freighter flights, and a seemingly permanent withdrawal of historic slots beginning next season. This is not what one would expect of a major hub airport in India, and will cause long-lasting damage to the airport’s reputation and credibility.”
Middleton also flagged concerns that the decision could have reciprocal consequences under bilateral air services agreements and accused MIAL of disregarding both international guidelines and India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) directives on slot allocations.
He further warned that the move raises fears of “capacity gaming” tactics, potentially aimed at steering freighter operations towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport, also being operated by Adani Airports.
We hope Adani Airports is not using this situation to pressure airlines to move their operations to their upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport. We fear, however, that this is an example of airport ‘capacity gaming’ which will harm aviation throughout India and beyond ,” Middleton added.
The association reiterated its recommendations, including delaying any capacity reductions to the start of the Northern Winter 2025 season, forming a coordination committee for slot allocation at Mumbai Airport, and protecting historical rights for subsequent seasons.
The IATA has urged both central and state governments to intervene and prevent such unilateral decisions that could disrupt Mumbai’s air connectivity and undermine India’s air cargo sector.
