Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) is set to expand its South Asian network with the launch of a new charter freighter service between Hong Kong International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, strengthening cargo connectivity between East Asia and one of India’s fastest-growing logistics markets.
The airline announced that the service will commence on 10 August, with flights departing Hong Kong every Monday and return services operating from Navi Mumbai on the same day.
According to the carrier, the new operation is designed to establish an early presence at Navi Mumbai International Airport, India’s newest aviation hub, while supporting growing trade flows between East Asia and South Asia.
“By establishing an early footprint at Western India’s brand-new aviation hub, the route strengthens the airline’s regional network and opens lucrative trade lanes between East and South Asia,” Hong Kong Air Cargo said.
The new route follows the airline’s recent appointment of Aeroprime Group as its General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in India, a move aimed at strengthening its commercial presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing air cargo markets.
Expanding International Network
While expanding in India, Hong Kong Air Cargo has also continued to grow its European network over the past three years, driven largely by demand from cross-border e-commerce.
The airline entered the European market in October 2023 with services to Milan Malpensa, followed by additional destinations including Liège, Oslo, London Stansted, Birmingham, Glasgow Prestwick, East Midlands, and Larnaca.
However, market conditions on the Asia-Europe trade lane have become more challenging in recent weeks. Cargo volumes from Hong Kong to Europe have declined following the European Union’s introduction of new customs measures and charges on low-value e-commerce shipments, affecting one of the region’s largest export segments.
Despite these headwinds, the launch of the Navi Mumbai charter service reflects HKAC’s strategy of diversifying its network and strengthening connectivity with high-growth cargo markets across Asia.
The new operation is expected to support shipments including e-commerce, electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables and general cargo, while providing exporters and freight forwarders with additional capacity between Hong Kong and western India.
As cargo demand continues to shift across regional trade corridors, Hong Kong Air Cargo’s expansion into Navi Mumbai reinforces the increasing importance of India as a strategic market for international freighter operators.
