A proposed shutdown of dedicated freighter operations at Mumbai airport is raising concerns among exporters and logistics companies, with industry players warning that cargo traffic could be diverted to hubs such as Delhi and Bengaluru.
The plan, aimed at easing congestion and prioritising passenger aircraft movements at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, could significantly disrupt air cargo supply chains. Mumbai is one of India’s largest air freight gateways, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive exports including pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables and engineering goods.
Exporters said the loss of freighter capacity would force them to reroute shipments through alternative airports with better cargo availability. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport are seen as the primary beneficiaries due to their established freighter networks, cargo infrastructure and night-time operating flexibility.
Logistics providers cautioned that diversion of cargo could lead to higher costs, longer transit times and capacity constraints at other airports. Smaller exporters based in western India may be hit hardest, as trucking goods to distant hubs would erode competitiveness and margins.
Industry bodies have urged authorities to reconsider or phase the shutdown, arguing that freighters play a critical role that cannot be fully replaced by bellyhold capacity on passenger flights. They have called for a balanced approach that supports both passenger growth and India’s export ambitions.
Officials said discussions with stakeholders are ongoing and that any final decision would take into account trade flows, infrastructure readiness at alternate airports and the broader impact on exporters. For now, uncertainty over freighter operations at Mumbai is prompting companies to reassess logistics plans and contingency routes.
