NMI starts international cargo with 1,789 kg airlift to Abu Dhabi

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced international cargo operations with the uplift of 1,789 kg of fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi on Air India Express flight IX207, marking the airport's first international cargo movement.

The inaugural shipment was carried on a scheduled Air India Express passenger flight, highlighting the airport's initial use of belly-hold capacity for international cargo operations. According to the airline's schedule, IX207 operates twice weekly, every Wednesday and Friday, departing Navi Mumbai at 2:55 a.m. The return service, IX208, arrives back at NMIA from Abu Dhabi at 10:20 a.m. The first return flight, operated by Air India Express from Abu Dhabi to Navi Mumbai was a full passenger flight and did not carry any cargo.

According to Flightradar24 data, the 15 July service was operated using a Boeing 737 MAX 8, while the Friday rotation is scheduled to be operated by an Airbus A320neo.

In a social media post, NMIA said the inaugural consignment marked the formal launch of its international cargo services, strengthening the airport's ability to handle high-value and time-sensitive exports. The airport added that the milestone was achieved through coordinated efforts across multiple teams and stakeholders and lays the foundation for seamless international cargo movement in the future.

The launch comes as NMIA prepares to play a larger role in India's international air cargo network. Earlier last week, Cathay Cargo announced plans to temporarily relocate its freighter operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to NMIA, subject to regulatory and operational approvals. The airline said its existing tri-weekly summer-season freighter service to Mumbai would continue during the transition.

The move follows a notice issued by Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) regarding the temporary suspension of dedicated freighter operations at CSMIA to facilitate infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of new taxiways for Runway 14/32 to improve airport capacity and operational efficiency. The suspension is scheduled to begin on 16 August 2025 and remain in effect until further notice.

Following MIAL's announcement, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) invited cargo operators to shift their freighter operations to NMIA from 16 August 2025 and requested airlines and cargo partners to confirm their plans to commence operations at the new airport.

Other international carriers are also evaluating a move. According to a report by Hindu Business Line, Air France, which operates two weekly freighter services between Paris and Mumbai, has indicated that its cargo operations could shift to NMIA as early as 1 August, subject to approvals, while Lufthansa Cargo has said it remains in discussions with authorities and stakeholders as operational plans continue to be finalised.

Having already connected 46 domestic destinations and served over 2.3 million passengers since commencing operations, Navi Mumbai International Airport is now taking the next step in its growth. The launch of international cargo services, coupled with the planned shift of dedicated freighter operations from Mumbai, positions NMIA as a key cargo gateway for western India, boosting exports of perishables and other high-value, time-sensitive commodities while expanding the region's international logistics network.