NMIA announces corrective measures after trade concerns

Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) has responded to the Brihanmumbai Customs Brokers' Association (BCBA) over the operational problems at its cargo terminal, apologising for the inconvenience and announcing a set of corrective measures, including a demurrage waiver until 15 October.

The response follows BCBA's letter to the Chief Commissioner of Customs and Challenge Group's decision to suspend its freighter flights to NMIA, both of which cited operational difficulties at the airport.

NMIAL's letter, dated 3 October 2026, is addressed to the BCBA president and signed by Suresh Nair, Head – Cargo, for Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited. Its subject line is "Operational issues raised by BCBA for Export and Import shipments at NMIA Cargo". It is copied to the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone 3, the Commissioner of Customs, ACC, Zone 3, and the Additional Commissioner of Customs, ACC, Zone 3.

NMIAL thanked the trade for its "patience and understanding" during the recent transition of freighter aircraft from Mumbai's primary airport to NMIA. It acknowledged that the move had caused "inconvenience and difficulties to some" and said it regretted these "unintentional developments". It added that changes of this magnitude can affect customer expectations.

To address the problems, NMIAL said it will give the freight forwarding community up-to-date information on flight clearances, along with clear timelines for delivery, so that consignment pick-ups can be planned accordingly. It will also work closely with Customs House Agents (CHAs) to resolve system-related glitches promptly, and will step up assistance for customers who need help during the transition.

On manpower, the airport operator said it will add experienced resources to its current workforce to speed up turnaround. As a "gesture of goodwill", it will also waive the additional demurrage levied after the free period until 15 October 2026.

NMIAL has also set up a 24/7 helpdesk for import and export customers at the CHA Lobby, Ground Floor, Gate Block Building, NMIA Cargo Terminal. The letter gives a Level 1 contact along with a second-level escalation contact.

"While transitions of this scale can present challenges, our responsibility is to ensure that the impact is minimized and that the experience remains as smooth as possible," the letter said. NMIAL closed with an apology for the inconvenience and thanked the trade for its "continued trust and understanding".

This story was originally published on Indian Transport Logistics News