MIAL counters IATA criticism over Mumbai freighter operations

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has expressed strong disappointment over the allegations made by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its statement dated 29 April 2025, concerning the planned closure of freighter operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) from 16 August 2025.

In an earlier notice regarding the planned closure of freighter operations at CSMIA, Adani Airport Holding Limited (AAHL) issued a notice inviting cargo partners to shift their operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting 16 August 2025. The notice also asked cargo operators to confirm their intent to commence operations at NMIA by 5 May 2025.

IATA, after this, criticised MIAL over the move and the proposed shift of freighter services to NMIA.

IATA, in its statement, expressed surprise and deep disappointment over Mumbai International Airport Limited's (MIAL) decision to inform airlines of the unilateral cessation of cargo freighter flights. The statement, attributed to John Middleton, Head of Worldwide Airport Slots at IATA, also noted the apparent permanent withdrawal of historic slots starting from the next season.

IATA’s statement said, “This is not what one would expect of a major hub airport in India, and will cause long-lasting damage to the airport’s reputation and credibility. The discriminatory impact on cargo operations and on certain operators also raises the spectre of reciprocal impact under bilateral air services agreements.”

In response, MIAL has firmly rejected IATA’s claims and defended its position on the ongoing developments.

MIAL, replying to IATA, stated in a media release, “Contrary to the claims made by IATA, the recent adjustments to cargo operations and slot allocations at CSMIA have followed a transparent, consultative and regulator-driven process. These operational changes are part of a broader infrastructure upgrade initiative governed by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) as part of the Fourth Control Period review.

IATA’s statement further noted that international guidelines exist for managing temporary capacity reductions at airports, which emphasise consultation and advance notice, not unilateral decisions as seen in this case. These guidelines, developed by the Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB) and agreed upon by Airports Council International (ACI), IATA, and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group (WWACG), were not followed. IATA also stated that MIAL failed to comply with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s (MoCA) guidelines for slot allocation, including directives to preserve historic slot rights for future seasons.

“We urge MIAL to immediately withdraw these cuts and instead urgently engage with the airline industry in meaningful consultations to minimise disruptions to airline operations, inconvenience to passengers, and loss of air connectivity for Mumbai. So far, there have been zero details on how MIAL will manage the capacity reduction and mitigate the impact. This does not inspire confidence.”

IATA also highlighted that it had provided specific recommendations to MIAL on how to handle the situation, but these were unfortunately not heeded. Among the suggestions were delaying any capacity reductions until the start of the Northern Winter season on 26 October 2025, immediately forming a coordination committee for Mumbai Airport to enable consultations, and establishing transparent communication protocols between the airport and airlines. IATA further advised MIAL to develop clear and fair guidelines for distributing capacity reductions among affected carriers and to reassure airlines that historic slot rights would be protected in subsequent seasons.

IATA expressed concern that the move may be aimed at pushing airlines toward the upcoming NMIA, operated by the same parent group. The association warned, “We hope Adani Airports, as the operator of the two-airport system in Mumbai, is not using this situation to pressure airlines to move their operations to their upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport. We fear, however, that this is an example of airport ‘capacity gaming’ which will harm aviation throughout India and beyond.”

IATA also called on both the central and state governments to intervene, stating that capacity reductions unilaterally mandated by an airport operator should not be allowed, as such actions could disrupt passenger and cargo operations and diminish Mumbai’s standing as a key aviation hub.

MIAL stated that it has actively engaged with stakeholders throughout the planning and decision-making process. It noted that an Airport User Consultative Committee (AUCC) meeting was held on 13 March 2024, during which the airport operator presented its five-year development roadmap, including proposed airside enhancements. Additionally, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) held a public hearing on 25 March 2025, which was attended by key stakeholders such as airlines, cargo operators, industry associations, and IATA itself. MIAL also pointed out that AERA released Consultation Paper No. 08/2024-25 on 10 March 2025, outlining tariff and development plans, with provisions for stakeholder comments until 16 April 2025 and counter-comments until 26 April 2025.

MIAL said that this sequence of structured engagement clearly illustrates it has not acted unilaterally, but has operated in full alignment with national regulatory frameworks and through a transparent, consultative process.

MIAL also emphasised that the ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as the construction of a parallel taxiway for Runway 14/32, necessitate the temporary relocation of certain cargo facilities. These developments, it said, were fully disclosed and discussed during the AERA consultation process and form part of the airport’s Master Plan submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), which incorporates feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

MIAL added that the ongoing operational rebalancing is a strategic move aligned with the long-term growth of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s aviation infrastructure. The objective, it said, is to enhance safety, ease congestion, and future-proof capacity for both passenger and cargo operations, while supporting India’s broader national development goals.

“We reject in the strongest terms IATA’s insinuation that MIAL or Adani Airports is using these operational adjustments to pressure airlines to shift to NMIA. NMIA is a nationally significant infrastructure project, envisioned in 1997 and under development since 2018. User consultations for NMIA’s master planning have been held since March 2018, with participation from airlines and IATA. Airlines have full autonomy over network planning, and there has been no attempt — either direct or indirect — to steer traffic from CSMIA to NMIA.

MIAL continues to respect international best practices, including the guidelines issued by the WASB, and remains committed to maintaining fair and equitable coordination with all stakeholders.”

MIAL has also urged IATA to move away from unsubstantiated claims and engage in constructive collaboration to support India’s aviation ecosystem. The airport operator reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, dialogue, and service excellence.

This year’s IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) is slated to take place in New Delhi and will be hosted by the Indian carrier, IndiGo from June 1-3.