ACAAI Western Region Urges MIAL to Address Cargo Disruption Risks from CSMIA Freighter Halt in Mumbai

Summary

The Air Cargo Association of India (ACAAI) Western Region has raised alarm over Mumbai International Airport Limited’s (MIAL) proposal to suspend dedicated freighter operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) for up to ten months to allow construction of Taxiway “E” and pavement works on Apron “G”. The issue was discussed at the ACAAI Western Region meeting in Mumbai, chaired by Rajen Bhatia and attended by senior association officers.

Members expressed support for necessary infrastructure and safety works but warned the suspension could disrupt exporters, importers, freight forwarders, airlines, custodians and the wider air cargo ecosystem unless properly planned. ACAAI has requested a meeting with MIAL (Adani) to seek workable solutions that balance development with cargo continuity.

Key Points

MIAL issued a circular on 11 December 2025 announcing potential suspension of dedicated freighter operations at CSMIA for up to 10 months for taxiway and apron works.
ACAAI Western Region discussed operational and regulatory challenges at a regional meeting in Mumbai chaired by Rajen Bhatia.
Primary concerns include diversion of freighters to NMIA (Navi Mumbai), Bengaluru or Delhi and the risk of long-term loss of cargo volumes and connectivity for Mumbai.
Practical issues flagged: split cargo movements, EGM integration under a single shipping bill, bonded truck availability and cost between CSMIA and NMIA, customs clearance procedures, demurrage impacts and PGA (Participating Government Agencies) availability at NMIA.
ACAAI stressed the need for clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and advance planning to minimise disruption to trade during the suspension period.
ACAAI has sought direct talks with MIAL to negotiate practical mitigations and ensure exporters/importers are protected while development proceeds.

Context and Relevance

Mumbai is a major export/import gateway for India; any prolonged freighter suspension at CSMIA risks shifting cargo flows and commercial relationships to other hubs. With Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) coming online as an alternative, ad-hoc moves could increase costs, slow clearances and fragment shipments—especially for consolidated or split consignments.

The concerns are timely: infrastructure upgrades are necessary, but without coordinated SOPs, customs readiness and bonded-transport planning the sector could face demurrage costs, customs delays and an erosion of Mumbai’s cargo market share. The article underlines the tension between essential airport upgrades and the commercial realities of air cargo operations.

Why should I read this?

Look, if you ship anything through Mumbai — this matters. The piece flags a possible ten-month freighter halt, the domino effects (diversion, added truck costs, customs headaches) and ACAAI’s push for a meeting with MIAL. Short version: it tells you what could break and what industry bodies are asking for to stop it. Worth a quick read if you move goods, manage logistics or plan routes out of India.