Hong Kong Air Cargo begins NMIA freighter operations

Hong Kong Air Cargo has commenced dedicated freighter operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), becoming the first international carrier to operate from Mumbai’s new airport.

The freighter service began on 16 August 2026, marking a significant milestone for Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group and NMIA, while strengthening India’s international air cargo connectivity.

The airline will operate the Airbus A330-200F, capable of carrying around 60 tonnes of import and export cargo, and will operate three weekly services between Hong Kong and Navi Mumbai, translating into six weekly cargo movements. The launch forms part of NMIA’s wider international cargo expansion, with 13 new freighter services expected to commence operations.

The launch was supported by extensive commercial coordination, operational planning and regulatory efforts led by Aeroprime Group, Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo GSSA in Mumbai. The initiative was carried out in close coordination with Hong Kong Air Cargo, NMIA and other regulatory stakeholders.

Dinella Thakur, Vice President Airfreight, DHL Global Forwarding (DGF), India, shared on linkedin that the successful commencement of operations highlights the collaboration between the partners in meeting commercial, operational and regulatory requirements and establishing international freighter connectivity at NMIA within a short timeframe. The charter flight operated on the HKG–NMI–HKG route, involving close coordination among DGF India, DGF China, Hongkong Air Cargo, ADANI Airport stakeholders, customs authorities and ground handling teams. Ahead of the flight, teams worked extensively to establish operational readiness, obtain necessary customs and airport clearances, and ensure smooth handling of both import and export cargo movements.

Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said, “This is a truly proud moment for Aeroprime Group and a landmark achievement for Hong Kong Air Cargo and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Establishing the first-ever international carrier's freighter operation from NMIA required meticulous planning, close coordination, and strong regulatory engagement.”

Whereas Raymond Chen, Vice President, Commercial, Hong Kong Air Cargo, commented, “The launch of our freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport is an important milestone in our India growth strategy. We are proud to be the first international carrier to commence operations from this new gateway.”

He added that the milestone highlights the strong collaboration between Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group, airport authorities and regulatory teams. The partners said the new operation will leverage Navi Mumbai’s strategic location to offer customers improved cargo connectivity to Hong Kong and global markets.

The launch strengthens Navi Mumbai International Airport’s position as an emerging gateway for international air cargo, while expanding Hong Kong Air Cargo’s presence in India’s rapidly growing aviation and logistics market. NMIA’s first dedicated freighter service was launched by IndiGo Cargo to Sharjah on 1 August, carrying 20 tonnes of goods.

For Aeroprime Group, the milestone highlights its capabilities in commercial planning, regulatory coordination, operational execution and market development. It also reinforces the company’s role as a strategic partner to airlines, supporting them from market entry and regulatory facilitation through to commercial launch and network expansion.

India’s air cargo industry is reinforcing its role in global trade and logistics, with the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) signing two MoUs, a Letter of Intent (LoI), and a strategic partnership at the 7th ACFI World Conclave 2026. The MoUs were signed with ASCELA Advisors and Global Investment and Trade Advisors (GITA), while ACFI entered into a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Government of Telangana.