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Cathay Cargo has become the first international airline to formally shift its dedicated freighter operations from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a significant milestone in India’s evolving air cargo landscape. The transition, scheduled to take effect from August 3, is expected to set the stage for other global cargo carriers as Mumbai undergoes major airport infrastructure upgrades.
The relocation is a temporary operational measure necessitated by extensive runway rehabilitation, taxiway development and apron reconstruction at CSMIA. The airport has announced the suspension of dedicated freighter operations between August 2026 and May 2027, with cargo flights being redirected to NMIA, which has been developed to accommodate the shift without disrupting cargo connectivity.
Cathay Cargo confirmed that its existing three-times-a-week summer freighter service to Mumbai will continue without any change in frequency, with only the operating airport shifting to NMIA. The airline stated that the move is subject to operational requirements and aims to ensure uninterrupted cargo services during the infrastructure enhancement period at Mumbai’s primary airport.
The development is being viewed as a landmark moment for NMIA, which is preparing to commence international cargo operations alongside international passenger services. Designed with modern cargo handling infrastructure and future expansion capabilities, the airport is expected to strengthen western India’s position as a key logistics gateway for global trade. Industry observers believe the migration of freighter services will accelerate the creation of a robust cargo ecosystem around NMIA, attracting airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers and logistics service providers.
Cathay Cargo’s decision also reflects its long-term commitment to the Indian market. The Hong Kong-based carrier has consistently expanded its presence in India, recognising the country’s growing importance as a global manufacturing and export hub. With dedicated freighter services connecting major Indian cities to its Hong Kong hub and onward global network, the airline continues to support sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables, engineering goods and e-commerce.
As additional international cargo airlines prepare to relocate operations in the coming months, NMIA is expected to emerge as a strategic air cargo gateway capable supporting India's international trade growth.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
New Delhi | September 5, 2026 India and Belgium are looking to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation, with discussions focusing on direct air connectivity, pharmaceutical air cargo and advanced air mobility. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever during his official visit to India. The talks explored options for improving direct air links between the two countries, which could support passenger travel, business activity and trade. A key area of cooperation is air cargo for the high-value pharmaceutical sector. Stronger cargo connectivity could help facilitate the movement of pharmaceutical products between India and Europe while supporting more efficient international supply chains. The two sides also discussed advanced air mobility, highlighting potential opportunities for cooperation in emerging aviation technologies. The discussions come as India and Belgium seek to expand their broader economic relationship. The two countries have also expressed an ambition to double bilateral trade over the next five years, creating additional opportunities for aviation and logistics cooperation. What it means for aviation and logistics Stronger India–Belgium air connectivity could create new opportunities for passenger services, pharmaceutical logistics and international cargo movement. For the logistics industry, improved air links could strengthen India's access to European markets, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value shipments. The focus on advanced air mobility also signals growing interest in next-generation aviatiohttp://www.cargoconnect.co.inn technologies as part of the evolving India–Belgium partnership. Key takeaway: India and Belgium are exploring stronger direct air connectivity, pharmaceutical cargo links and advanced air mobility, potentially opening new opportunities for trade, passenger travel and aviation logistics between India and Europe. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Hong Kong Air Cargo is adding Brisbane to its charter network, launching round-trip freighter services between Hong Kong and the Australian city from August 29 as the carrier expands its cargo connectivity into Australia. The new service will link Hong Kong International Airport with Brisbane Airport (BNE), providing additional airfreight capacity between the two markets. The Brisbane operation forms part of Hong Kong Air Cargo’s charter offering and is intended to provide shippers with additional options for moving cargo between Asia and Australia. Hong Kong Air Cargo has been developing its charter operations alongside its scheduled freighter services. The carrier operates a fleet centred on Airbus A330 freighters and provides cargo transportation covering general freight, express and priority shipments, dangerous goods and other specialised cargo requirements. Adding Brisbane gives the airline another gateway into Australia and strengthens the connection between Hong Kong, one of Asia’s major airfreight hubs, and Queensland’s principal international cargo airport. For freight forwarders and cargo owners, charter operations can provide additional capacity and scheduling flexibility where available scheduled services do not fully match shipment requirements. The new link comes as carriers and logistics providers continue to adjust international cargo networks in response to changing trade flows and demand for additional capacity.Brisbane serves a broad industrial and consumer market in Queensland and provides connections to manufacturing, retail, agriculture and other freight sectors. Direct or dedicated cargo capacity between Hong Kong and Brisbane can reduce reliance on alternative routings through other Australian gateways, depending on shipment requirements and available capacity. For Hong Kong, the expansion also supports the airport's role as a major international air cargo hub connecting Asian production centres with markets across the Asia-Pacific region. The Brisbane service therefore adds capacity without necessarily representing a permanent scheduled route commitment. Its longer-term role in the carrier's network will depend on cargo demand, customer requirements and future operating plans. The launch further broadens Hong Kong Air Cargo's presence in the Asia-Pacific cargo market and gives shippers another airfreight option between Hong Kong and Australia's east coast. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Hong Kong Air Cargo has launched a dedicated freighter service from Mumbai, expanding its India network and strengthening cargo connectivity between India, Hong Kong and onward global markets. The new service adds dedicated inbound cargo capacity to India while giving exporters in the country greater access to Hong Kong and international destinations. The launch comes within two months of Aeroprime Group being appointed as Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in India. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said Mumbai is one of India’s strategic cargo gateways and that the new service would provide customers with greater capacity, improved connectivity and reliable cargo solutions. He added that the launch reflects the commitment and agility of both teams. Raymond Chen, Vice President and Commercial Spokesperson, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said the Mumbai freighter service marks an important step in the airline’s India growth strategy. He highlighted Mumbai’s importance as a key export hub and credited Aeroprime Group with supporting the airline’s expansion in the Indian market. The Mumbai launch strengthens Hong Kong Air Cargo’s focus on India while expanding Aeroprime Group’s role in the carrier’s market development and commercial activities. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
