WEEKLY NEWS


CARGO BOTTLENECK AT INDIA’S BUSIEST GATEWAY


BY Ajinkya GURAV


India’s largest commercial gateway for airfreight is under scrutiny after the temporary suspension of dedicated freighter operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) raised concerns across the aviation and logistics sectors. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged authorities to review the disruption, warning that restrictions on freighter flights could affect India’s cargo supply chains. The episode highlights a structural challenge facing major airports in


rapidly growing aviation markets: balancing rising passenger demand with the operational needs of cargo aircraft, which often fly during off-peak hours. For Mumbai, historically one of India’s most important cargo hubs, the suspension underscores infrastructure constraints and the need for more balanced airport planning.


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A key gateway Mumbai has long been central to India’s international cargo network. The airport handles significant volumes of high-value exports, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, jewellery, and engineering goods, while also serving as a major entry point for time-sensitive imports. Its proximity to India’s financial and manufacturing centres has made it a preferred gateway for airlines and freight forwarders. Dedicated


freighter operations complement passenger aircraft, offering schedule flexibility essential shipments, pharmaceuticals requiring specialised handling, oversized


cargo, and hazardous materials. Increasing passenger traffic, however, has intensified pressure on airport infrastructure. With runway utilisation approaching


operational limits, authorities have had to prioritise


passenger movements during peak periods, affecting available slots for freighters.


Concerns over capacity IATA warns that the suspension could disrupt logistics flows that depend on dedicated cargo aircraft. While passenger aircraft carry a large share of airfreight globally, freighters remain indispensable for large-volume shipments and tight delivery schedules. Reducing freighter capacity at Mumbai risks diverting cargo to other airports or forcing longer routings through regional hubs, increasing costs and delivery times. For India’s logistics sector, predictable freighter operations are crucial.


Any disruption may compel freight forwarders to explore alternative routes, impacting supply chain efficiency and the competitiveness of export industries.


Broader infrastructure challenges The situation reflects wider issues in aviation infrastructure. As passenger numbers grow, airports often prioritise passenger services, which generate visible economic activity. Cargo operations, although critical to international trade, are more easily displaced. In comparison, several Asian hubs have developed dedicated cargo


belly-hold cargo on for express


infrastructure to minimise such conflicts. Airports in the Gulf and Southeast Asia invest in separate terminals and operational frameworks that allow freighters to operate without competing directly with passenger


traffic. Mumbai’s current infrastructure, by contrast, has limited capacity to accommodate both high passenger volumes and the rising demand for air cargo.


Implications for trade flows The temporary suspension comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen its position in global supply chains. Air cargo underpins sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and high-value manufacturing, where speed and reliability are critical. Constraints on cargo capacity can affect delivery schedules and export competitiveness, with potential knock-on effects for broader trade flows.


Strategic importance The debate over freighter operations highlights the evolving priorities of aviation systems. Passenger traffic remains visible, but cargo operations form the logistical backbone of trade. Industry stakeholders stress that maintaining balanced airport operations is essential for sustaining economic growth. Future infrastructure planning will need to integrate cargo alongside passenger services to support India’s expanding aviation and trade sectors.


What's next? Authorities are expected to continue discussions with airlines and industry groups to find solutions that protect both passenger and cargo interests. Measures may include revised slot allocations, improved cargo handling facilities, or greater utilisation of alternative airports in the region. For the air cargo sector, the Mumbai episode is a reminder that


Did You Know ? BY Michael SALES


The aviation industry has, during its 100 years of development, established a unique range of codes, expressions, and signals, all designed to improve safety and clarity in international communications. English is the mandatory language of international air traffic operations. This standard was established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure global safety and minimise misunderstandings that have historically led to fatal accidents. All air


traffic pilots involved in controllers (ATCs) and international operations


must meet a minimum proficiency level in English. Professionals must achieve at least operational level 4 on a six-level scale. Level 4 ensures they can communicate effectively in both routine and emergency situations.


MIND YOUR LANGUAGE While English is the international standard,


local languages are often used concurrently; controllers may use their country’s official language, but at international airports, English communication services must be provided if requested. Aviation communication uses a specialised dialect known as aviation English or standardised phraseology, which includes around


300 codified terms to prevent


ambiguity. The ICAO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo,


Charlie, etc.) is used globally, with specific pronunciations for clarity, such as “Tree” (3),


“Fife” (5), and “Niner” (9). Key terms


include “Roger,” indicating understanding of a message or instruction; “Wilco,” meaning will comply; “Cleared,” meaning OK to proceed; and “Unable,” meaning cannot comply. The well- established “Mayday” remains the universal cry for help.


A clear example of the consequences of


misunderstood communication occurred on 19 February 1989. A FedEx-owned Boeing 747-249F-SCD en route from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur crashed while on its final approach. ATC radioed,


“Tiger 66, descend


two four zero zero (about 2,400 ft (730 m)), cleared for NDB approach runway 33.” Captain Halpin interpreted this as “descend to four zero zero” and replied, “Okay, four zero zero” (meaning 400 ft (120 m) above sea level, 2,000 ft (610 m) too low). The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) revealed communication


several errors made by


the flight crew. During the final approach, numerous clear warnings were given by the on-board ground proximity warning system, all of which were ignored, resulting in the aircraft striking a hillside at 437 ft (133 m) above sea level.


ACW 16 MARCH 2026 www.aircargoweek.com


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of or attributed to the contents of Air Cargo Week, insofar as they are based on information, presentations, reports or data that have been publicly disseminated, furnished or otherwise communicated to Air Cargo Week. © AZura international 2026 • ISSN 2040-1671 -


infrastructure decisions at major airports have far-reaching consequences for global supply chains. As India’s aviation industry grows and trade volumes rise, ensuring that cargo operations retain adequate capacity will be central to the country’s ambition to strengthen its role as a global logistics hub.


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