Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has recently experienced cargo congestion, as per reports and sources, creating delays across the air-freight supply chain. According to industry reports, trucks carrying cargo have been forced to wait between 24 and 72 hours outside the Air Cargo Complex before gaining access to terminal facilities.
The congestion has been attributed to several factors. Freight operators and cargo agents have cited manpower shortages, operational bottlenecks and limited handling capacity at the cargo complex. At the same time, the airport has reported a surge in cargo volumes driven by seasonal demand and an increase in shipments requiring special handling, including oversized and non-standard cargo.
The impact of the logjam has extended beyond airport operations. Long queues of trucks have reportedly caused traffic congestion on surrounding roads, while transporters have faced rising costs due to delays, detention charges and disrupted delivery schedules. Industry representatives have also expressed concern about the welfare of truck drivers, many of whom have had to remain in their vehicles for extended periods with limited access to food, water and other basic facilities.
The situation is particularly important because Mumbai handles a substantial share of India’s air cargo traffic. Industry observers have warned that prolonged congestion could encourage freight forwarders to divert cargo to alternative gateways, including Ahmedabad and the emerging Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Airport authorities have stated that they are closely monitoring operations and deploying additional manpower and equipment, the reports said.