(Commonwealth _India) The Adani Group‘s latest flagship project, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), is poised to play a pivotal role in capitalizing on India’s burgeoning air cargo market. Set to commence commercial operations on March 31, 2024, NMIA is strategically positioned on the outskirts of Mumbai, benefiting from its proximity to the Nhava Sheva seaport, the country’s primary hub for containerized trade.
Industry experts are optimistic about the airport’s potential to facilitate seamless synergies between different modes of transportation. The congestion-free inland access systems at NMIA starkly contrast with the bottlenecks frequently experienced at Mumbai City’s current airport. A business observer remarked that NMIA holds high cargo appeal, thanks to its effective logistics framework.
Several domestic and international airlines are reportedly in advanced discussions to establish operations at NMIA, a move aimed at alleviating the pressure on Mumbai Airport while keeping pace with escalating air traffic demand. NMIA features a state-of-the-art integrated air cargo terminal, with approximately 36,000 square meters allocated for domestic cargo and 25,500 square meters for international shipments. Initial estimates suggest the airport can handle up to 800,000 tons of cargo in its first operational phase.
Domestic carriers such as IndiGo and Air India, previously hesitant to adjust their Mumbai schedules, are now expressing keen interest in utilizing NMIA. An IndiGo executive stated, “We are interested, as any other airline would be, in the Navi Mumbai option.” This is particularly significant as IndiGo, India’s largest private airline, is expanding its cargo network and anticipates a 17% increase in volumes for the fiscal year 2024-25.
SpiceJet is another Indian airline preparing to operate from NMIA, while Sri Lankan Airlines and Thai Lion Air have already shown firm interest in establishing services with Adani. A senior executive at Adani Airport Holdings confirmed, “Most airlines are in touch with us for slots, as Mumbai Airport is extremely tight on space.”
Freight forwarders, who have faced delays at the Mumbai Air Cargo complex, view NMIA as an opportunity for a more efficient shipping experience, particularly for perishables. Tarun Arora, director at IG International, called the new air cargo facility a “game-changer” for the fresh fruit industry, noting that faster shipping times mean a longer shelf life and reduced decay. Ultimately, consumers could appreciate a wider diversity of fresher, higher-quality produce.
Given that both Mumbai airports will operate under Adani’s management, stakeholders do not anticipate aggressive competition between the two facilities. Industry leaders perceive NMIA as a transformative development amid rising demand and limited expansion opportunities at Mumbai Airport.
Suneet Gupta, global head of cargo community systems at Kale Logistics Solutions, emphasized NMIA’s potential, stating it could process up to 2.5 million tons of cargo by 2032. He highlighted the airport’s role in fostering a multimodal logistics ecosystem, offering “multiple tailwinds for shippers” and establishing a “one-stop solution for logistics needs.”
Known for its aggressive business strategies, the Adani Group is expected to implement its successful operational model at NMIA, marking its eighth airport in India. As long-term economic indicators remain positive, the Indian government has prioritized aviation, with ambitious plans to double the domestic airport network to 300 by 2047. Notably, Noida International Airport, awarded to Zurich Airport and located near Delhi, is also anticipated to begin operations in April 2024, reflecting the sector’s growth trajectory.
