Air India Cargo Ships First Export from Navi Mumbai

Air India Cargo Opens Export Route from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi

Air India Cargo has completed the first international export shipment from Navi Mumbai International Airport, with a consignment of fresh produce transported to Abu Dhabi aboard an Air India Express flight.

The 1.79-tonne shipment, carried on flight IX207 on 15 July, included freshly harvested guavas from Maharashtra’s Konkan region and drumstick moringa. The inaugural cargo movement marks the start of international export operations from the airport, providing exporters in western India with another route to overseas markets.

New Export Link for Western India

The Boeing 737-8 operating the Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi route offers approximately 2.5 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity per flight. Air India Cargo expects the service to transport approximately 25 tonnes of cargo every month, supporting exports of fresh produce and other time-sensitive goods to the UAE and the Gulf region.

Air India Express currently operates the route three times a week, providing regular connectivity for exporters.

Supporting Agricultural Exports

The first shipment mainly consisted of guavas from the Konkan region, along with drumstick moringa, both of which are in demand in international markets.

The new service is expected to provide farmers, traders and exporters with quicker access to overseas buyers while helping to maintain the quality of fresh produce by reducing transit times.

Cold-Chain Infrastructure

Air India Cargo uses a temperature-controlled supply chain to handle perishable goods throughout the journey.

Fresh produce is transported to airport cargo terminals in refrigerated vehicles before being stored in temperature-controlled facilities. Shipments are then prepared for loading using specialised equipment. On arrival, cargo is again transferred to temperature-controlled environments before final delivery.

The airline’s cargo operations are supported by specialised handling equipment, including cool dollies and thermal blankets, while its facilities are certified to international standards for handling temperature-sensitive shipments.

Executive Comment

Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India, said:

“This first export shipment from Navi Mumbai connects growers, traders and businesses in western India directly with an important international market. Reliable air connectivity plays an important role in helping exporters move fresh produce while maintaining product quality.”

He added that investments in cold-chain infrastructure and certified handling processes are helping Air India Cargo support exporters transporting perishable products and other temperature-sensitive goods.

The launch of the Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi cargo service comes as demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products continues to grow across the Middle East, providing exporters with another international gateway from western India.

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