Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is facing growing pressure on its cargo operations as higher volumes create congestion across the air freight handling system.
Reports indicate that the airport’s cargo complex is handling significantly more cargo than its available storage capacity, resulting in delays for trucks collecting and delivering shipments. Some truck operators have reportedly faced extended waiting times of up to several days.
The congestion comes as Mumbai remains one of India’s major air cargo gateways. The airport handled about 890,000 tonnes of cargo in FY2024-25, accounting for nearly a quarter of India’s total air cargo volume.
The situation is also developing as Mumbai Airport faces planned restrictions on dedicated freighter operations from August 2026 to May 2027 because of major airside infrastructure works. The airport operator has said the restrictions are linked to runway, taxiway and apron upgrades.
With cargo volumes continuing to grow, the congestion highlights the need for additional handling capacity, improved truck processing and stronger coordination among airlines, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders and ground-handling agencies.
The developments are expected to increase attention on nearby Navi Mumbai International Airport as an alternative cargo gateway as Mumbai’s existing airport faces capacity and operational constraints.