Navi Mumbai International Airport Welcomes its 1st International Freighter

Mumbai:

Port Wings News Network:

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), developed and managed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a public-private partnership between Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), on 16 August marked a significant milestone as a global trade and logistics gateway with the arrival of its first dedicated international freighter flight, operated by Hong Kong Air Cargo from Hong Kong.

The development is part of NMIA’s wider international cargo ramp-up, with 13 new freighter services expected to commence operations.

Hong Kong Air Cargo will operate three weekly services between Hong Kong and Navi Mumbai, translating into six weekly cargo air traffic movements. The service will use an Airbus A330-200F freighter, carrying approx. 60 tonnes of import and export shipments.

Accelerating its global operations, NMIA marked two major milestones in rapid succession. The airport launched its first Air India Express international passenger flight to Abu Dhabi on July 15, 2026, followed swiftly by its inaugural dedicated freighter (IndiGo Cargo to Sharjah) on August 1, 2026, carrying 20 tonnes of goods. These achievements underscore NMIA’s dynamic growth in both passenger and cargo aviation.

NMIA is rapidly expanding its destination as many international cargo operators have filed and have received approval to operate at major destinations across Asia, Europe and West Asia, including Hong Kong, Chengdu, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai, Amsterdam, Bahrain, Paris and Riyadh.

“With a significant increase in freighter activity expected by the end of August, we are rapidly expanding our international cargo network and strengthening connectivity with key markets across Asia, Europe and West Asia. This growing network will create greater opportunities for exporters, importers and businesses, while reinforcing NMIA’s role as a strategic logistics and trade gateway for Maharashtra and Western India,” said a spokesperson of Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Tony Ma, Chairman of Hong Kong Air Cargo, said: “Being the first international carrier to launch freighter operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport is a proud moment for Hong Kong Air Cargo. This milestone underscores our long-term commitment to the Indian market and our confidence in NMI’s strategic potential as a major cargo gateway for Western India. We look forward to deepening connectivity between India and Hong Kong, and through our network, serving the growing trade flows across the region.”

Aligned with the National Logistics Policy and Maharashtra Government’s Logistics Policy 2024, NMIA is building a seamless, tech-enabled cargo ecosystem. This expanding network will connect the airport with leading global trade and logistics hubs, further strengthening its role as a key cargo gateway from Western India. NMIA’s phased, scalable cargo infrastructure is designed to handle domestic, international, express and specialised shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, valuables, oversized cargo and dangerous goods, with a progressive shift towards automated handling and digital cargo systems.