The truth about NMIA’s cargo delays

Navi Mumbai International Airport’s cargo ambitions are facing an early test.

Freighters are arriving at NMIA, but cargo-handling challenges are creating delays, with reports of import cargo stuck on dollies, shortages of loaders and forklifts, and export shipments not ready for loading.

Challenge Group has suspended its freighter operations to NMIA, while industry associations have raised concerns over flight-checking delays, cargo availability, manpower and infrastructure.

NMIAL has apologised for the disruption and announced corrective measures, including additional manpower, clearer flight-clearance updates, a 24/7 helpdesk and a waiver of additional demurrage until 15 October 2026.