Lufthansa Cargo has temporarily suspended its all-cargo services to Mumbai International Airport as severe congestion at the Indian hub disrupts cargo operations. Logistics providers are warning customers to expect significant delays as terminal infrastructure struggles to cope with rising volumes.
The Lufthansa Group cargo subsidiary has halted its freighter services to Mumbai from September 20 through the end of the month, citing operational challenges linked to a major construction project at the airport. A Lufthansa Cargo spokesperson confirmed the temporary suspension in an email to FreightWaves.
Adani Group, which operates Mumbai International Airport, has attributed the disruption to a sharp increase in cargo volumes.
The airport operator said congestion has pushed truck waiting times to as long as three days.
“Mumbai Airport is currently witnessing its higher cargo volumes,” the operator said earlier this month, pointing to stronger seasonal demand ahead of the festive period and increased flows of time-sensitive shipments through air cargo channels.
It also noted that a growing volume of non-standard and odd-sized shipments is being transported by air. Such cargo requires additional processing time, specialised handling and more terminal staging space, further adding to pressure on airport facilities.
For Lufthansa Cargo, the disruption also coincides with the broader transition to Navi Mumbai International Airport. When the airline resumes freighter operations on October 1, its Mumbai services will move to the new airport. Most airlines are already in the process of transferring their scheduled freighter operations there.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Cargo, for example, moved its freighter operations to Navi Mumbai on Monday.
Lufthansa Cargo operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 777 freighters and had been serving Mumbai with six all-cargo flights per week.
The temporary suspension does not affect cargo transported aboard Lufthansa Group’s passenger aircraft, according to the Lufthansa Cargo spokesperson.
Meanwhile, logistics providers are reporting wider operational constraints across the airport.
Houston-based Crane Worldwide Logistics said several airlines have temporarily suspended or significantly reduced their freighter operations because of infrastructure limitations, cargo backlogs and restrictions affecting ground handling. FreightWaves was unable to independently confirm which airlines, beyond Lufthansa Cargo, are affected.
International freight forwarder EFL also warned customers this month that heavy congestion is delaying cargo acceptance, handling and customs clearance.
The company said the consolidation of fresh cargo is being restricted, while shipments that have already cleared customs are taking longer than usual to reach airlines.
“These conditions may affect planned flight connections and cargo cut-off times,” EFL said, advising customers with shipments moving through Mumbai to allow additional time for both transit and customs clearance while the congestion persists.
