IATA Raises Concerns Over Mumbai Airport’s Cargo Operation Suspension
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns over the planned suspension of cargo aircraft operations at Mumbai’s airport. This suspension is set to begin in August 2026 and will continue until May 31, 2027, due to necessary infrastructure upgrades. The Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), operated by the Adani Group, had previously informed airlines about these changes in a letter dated February 9, 2023.
IATA’s Response to Cargo Operation Suspension
IATA expressed its concerns regarding the potential impact on cargo operations. The organization reached out to MIAL back in January for clarification on this suspension but did not receive a response. They emphasized the importance of effective communication between MIAL and industry stakeholders.
In its statement, IATA highlighted compliance with guidelines from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and best practices set by the Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB) as critical points of discussion.
Details of the Cargo Operations Suspension
The suspension is necessary due to several factors, including:
- Operational safety requirements
- Capacity constraints due to restricted aircraft movements
- Increased safety risks associated with mixed passenger and cargo operations
- Inability to maintain operational timelines during peak hours
To accommodate future growth, Mumbai Airport will undertake significant airside and landside infrastructure enhancements. Planned improvements include:
- Rehabilitation and strengthening of key airside pavements
- Optimization of aircraft movement areas
- Redevelopment of cargo-adjacent facilities
- Demolition of certain areas within the existing cargo terminal
Operational Status of Apron G
Despite the upcoming upgrades, MIAL stated that Apron G remains operationally suitable. It has an estimated service life of four years, contingent upon regular maintenance and inspections. This enables continued operations while the cargo suspension is in place.
IATA’s ongoing dialogue with MIAL is essential for minimizing disruptions and ensuring that cargo operations can resume smoothly after the upgrade program concludes.
