The Mumbai airport will suspend all loading operations since August 16 to carry out the infrastructure update.
Mumbai’s airport is the second most occupied in India for cargo operations that handle 24 percent of the country’s total load movement. The airport movement is seen as a pressure tactic to force airlines to transfer operations to Navi Mumbai airport, which must be inaugurated in June.
While the loading movement is restricted, the load will continue to be transported in steps to/from Mumbai. However, a prohibition of freighters will mean a lower capacity as a Boeing 777 or 747 cargo plane can take around 100 tons of payload.
“The Mumbai Limited International Airport (MIAL) needs to carry out multiple air works, including the construction of new shooting streets for track 14/32 to improve its capacity and provide efficiency in operations. Mial, therefore, will close Face, Aironaring was not written in a letter to the airlines on April 21. The letter establishes that the car operations will be closed from August 16 until it will be further.
Caught by surprise
The move from the airport has taken by surprise by surprise and some said that there were no previous consultations with them. “We believe that this is just a movement to force airlines to change their operations to Navi Mumbai,” an executive of an airline said. The problem is likely to be discussed at a meeting between airlines and airports on Friday.
An aviation source said that the warehouse and cold storage facilities are preparing in Navi Mumbai. These would require a regulatory approach. Besids would need certified coach to radiograph the load. This is expected to be ready for August, he said.
Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports did not respond to the email consultation on the subject. An airport executive said the commitment is by plane and the best solution will be found. “There will be no interruption in the load movement,” he said.
Posted on April 22, 2025
