Lufthansa Cargo has shifted its freighter operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), adding another major cargo carrier to the airport’s growing network as Mumbai’s existing international gateway prepares for infrastructure upgrades. The move comes amid reports of operational bottlenecks affecting cargo handling at the newly opened facility.
In its winter 2026/27 flight schedule announcement, Lufthansa Cargo confirmed that its freighter operations transferred from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to NMIA on 12 October. The relocation is intended to support expansion work at Mumbai’s established airport while maintaining connectivity for industrial and manufacturing centres across the region.
The German cargo airline said the change would add another stop to its local network and help preserve access to international markets for customers in the Mumbai region. The development forms part of its wider winter schedule, which includes expanded freighter connectivity across Asia-Pacific and additional services to selected international destinations.
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However, NMIA’s expansion as a cargo gateway has coincided with reports of operational challenges. Industry coverage has highlighted longer aircraft turnaround times, shortages of experienced personnel and ground-handling equipment, limited cargo warehousing capacity and difficulties faced by staff commuting to the airport.
The issues have prompted concern among cargo operators and logistics stakeholders over the airport’s readiness to handle a growing volume of freight efficiently. Cargo-handling difficulties have also led airport management to introduce corrective measures, including additional staffing, improved communication with cargo customers and temporary relief from demurrage charges.
The concerns have been particularly significant for operators seeking to establish reliable freighter schedules at the new facility. Challenge Group, for example, suspended its Mumbai freighter operations amid reported reliability and operational concerns, underscoring the importance of adequate ground infrastructure as NMIA develops its cargo capabilities.
The relocation of Lufthansa Cargo’s freighter operations also comes against the backdrop of planned redevelopment at CSMIA. Mumbai’s existing airport is preparing infrastructure upgrades aimed at increasing capacity and improving efficiency, creating pressure to manage traffic across the metropolitan area’s two international airports.
For the air cargo sector, the transition presents both an opportunity and an operational test. NMIA offers additional infrastructure and scope for future growth, but the effectiveness of its cargo ecosystem will depend on the availability of warehouse capacity, trained personnel, handling equipment and coordinated processes among airlines, ground handlers, customs authorities and freight forwarders.
Lufthansa Cargo’s move strengthens NMIA’s position in Mumbai’s evolving air freight network. The airport’s ability to convert that momentum into consistent, reliable cargo operations will be an important factor in attracting further freighter services and supporting the region’s international trade flows.
