ports

Cathay Cargo, Air India Ramp Up Operations at India's Newest Air Hub

Freighter and belly capacity is accelerating at Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Adani Group's major infrastructure project that launched commercial operations late last year. Cathay Cargo this month announced international freighter services beginning next month, positioning the facility as its Mumbai hub and shifting operations from the congested downtown airport. Adani Airport Holdings advised cargo operators that no freighter slots will open at the original Mumbai location until May 2027. Air India, operated by Tata Group, launched international cargo operations via bellyhold capacity on twice-weekly passenger flights to Abu Dhabi. The carrier emphasized its new temperature-controlled infrastructure, moving fresh produce in refrigerated vehicles through climate-managed facilities to meet perishable cargo handling standards. Industry observers view NMIA as a critical solution to persistent capacity constraints that have hampered carriers at India's primary air cargo gateway.