Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), set to commence passenger operations in May 2025, is in discussions with global logistics leaders FedEx and DHL to develop a significant cargo hub. The airport’s strategic location near Jawaharlal Nehru Port and the availability of operational slots are key factors in these negotiations.
The airport’s master plan allocates 29 hectares for cargo operations, featuring ten freighter stands and a fully automated terminal. This infrastructure is designed to handle up to 2.6 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. While domestic cargo services are slated to begin alongside passenger flights, international cargo operations will be introduced in subsequent phases.
FedEx has expressed intentions to establish an international cargo hub in India to enhance connectivity across South Asia, Europe, and the United States. The company is collaborating with government authorities to meet regulatory requirements, though the final location for the hub is still under consideration.
The proposed cargo hub aims to facilitate both direct transportation and transshipment of goods for domestic and international markets. This initiative aligns with the broader industry goal of increasing India’s annual airport cargo throughput to 10 million tonnes by the fiscal year 2030.
In the fiscal year 2024, Indian airports handled 3.36 million tonnes of cargo, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. International cargo operations experienced a 9.7% growth, while domestic cargo movement saw a 3% rise during this period.
