Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) concluded 2024 with remarkable achievements, fortifying its status as a pivotal element of India’s air freight landscape by reaching new heights in cargo operations. The airport experienced a significant 17 percent increase in international cargo volumes, setting a record with a daily tonnage peak of 204 metric tonnes (MT). This achievement underscores the airport’s dedication to fostering efficient global trade connections.
At the Cargo Terminal, both international and domestic freight sectors saw substantial growth. In March 2024, a new record was established when 60,659 MT of international cargo was processed, highlighting the airport’s strategic importance and operational prowess. Over the year, CSMIA expanded its global reach by adding flights to 687 international cities, including new routes to Tripoli, Khabarovsk, Kaliningrad, Zhukovsky, Tyumen, Damascus, Honinabi, and Chisinau.
On the domestic front, CSMIA solidified its role as an essential logistics hub, with a focus on pharmaceuticals, automotive products, and dangerous goods, thus playing a crucial role in a robust air cargo network. The international cargo split was 55 percent for exports and 45 percent for imports. The leading international freight destinations were London, Frankfurt, Chicago, Dubai, and Amsterdam.
Key sectors driving growth included pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and automotive goods, which saw year-over-year increases of 24 percent, 22 percent, and 20 percent respectively. Domestic sectors were led by automotive goods with an impressive 31 percent growth, followed by engineering goods at 22 percent and postal services at 15 percent. The festive period boosted the e-commerce sector significantly, with international shipments growing by 53 percent year-over-year and domestic e-commerce goods seeing an 11 percent rise. Agricultural exports also achieved record levels, with mango shipments reaching around 4,700 MT.
The year was highlighted by significant improvements to infrastructure, such as the introduction of a new 10 MT scale in the export area and a comprehensive upgrade of the main entrance featuring state-of-the-art security and vehicle control technologies. These advancements boosted both the safety and the efficiency of operations. The continued excellence of CSMIA was celebrated with its sixth consecutive “Cargo Airport of the Year Award” at the Air Cargo India event, affirming its leadership status within the sector. A notable sustainability initiative was the disposal of 151 MT of unclaimed cargo, showcasing the airport’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
In 2024, CSMIA’s cargo operations were significantly strengthened with the inclusion of six new airlines, such as Kenya Airways, SF Airlines, and SolitAir, which improved both connectivity and capacity.
A key component of the airport’s strategy was its ongoing digital transformation, crucial for managing growing cargo volumes. Innovations such as the Air Cargo Community System (AMAX) and the D-Cube digital import delivery platform enhanced operational workflows, reduced reliance on paper, and decreased cargo wait times. The Turant mobile app also played a critical role, providing real-time tracking for temperature-sensitive shipments and ensuring efficient handling.
With strategic investments in infrastructure, digital innovation, and operational excellence, CSMIA is positioned as a leader in the international air cargo logistics arena. As the air cargo sector in India looks toward a promising 2025, CSMIA is well-prepared to continue enhancing its services, driving operational efficiency, and establishing new standards in the global cargo industry.
