From Konkan Orchards to Gulf Shelves: Navi Mumbai Opens a New Export Gateway

The launch of international cargo operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport has opened a new export gateway for western India’s agricultural producers, with Air India Cargo transporting nearly two tons of fresh produce to Abu Dhabi on the airport’s inaugural international flight.

The shipment, carried aboard an Air India Express Boeing 737-8 operating the Navi Mumbai-Abu Dhabi service, marks the beginning of a new trade corridor that is expected to strengthen exports of fresh fruits, vegetables and other time-sensitive products to the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

The aircraft offers around 2.5 tons of belly-hold cargo capacity per flight, and Air India Cargo expects the route to handle about 25 tons of freight every month. Air India Express currently operates the service three times a week, providing exporters with regular access to one of India’s fastest-growing overseas markets.

“Every new route presents an opportunity,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India. “This first export shipment from Navi Mumbai connects growers, traders and businesses in western India directly with one of the region’s most important international markets. Fresh produce is highly time-sensitive, and reliable air connectivity plays a critical role in helping Indian exporters reach global consumers while preserving product quality.”

The inaugural consignment was led by guava, locally known as Peru, sourced from Maharashtra’s Konkan region, which is known for its fruit cultivation. The shipment also included drumstick or moringa, a product witnessing rising demand in overseas markets because of its nutritional value and growing popularity among health-conscious consumers.

Though relatively modest in size, the cargo reflects a growing segment of India’s agricultural exports that relies on rapid and reliable air transportation to reach premium international markets.

Cold Chain Critical for Perishables

Behind the export operation is an integrated cold-chain logistics system designed to preserve the freshness of perishable goods throughout their journey.

Fresh fruits and vegetables arrive at airport cargo terminals in refrigerated trucks before being transferred to temperature-controlled warehouses maintained between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The consignments are then assembled onto specialized pallets and containers for international transport.

After landing in Abu Dhabi, the cargo is again shifted into temperature-controlled facilities before being distributed to buyers, helping maintain freshness, texture and shelf life.

Industry experts say uninterrupted temperature control is as critical as flight time itself for agricultural exports, where even brief exposure to unsuitable conditions can significantly reduce product quality.

Air India Cargo has expanded its infrastructure in recent years to support the transportation of perishables, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive goods. Its operations include specialized equipment such as cool dollies and thermal blankets that minimize temperature fluctuations while cargo moves between warehouse and aircraft. The airline’s cargo facilities are also GDP-certified, meeting internationally recognized standards for handling temperature-sensitive shipments.

“Cargo is often the unseen enabler of trade,” Mamidala said. “When we transport perishable products such as fruits, vegetables or temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, speed alone is not enough. Maintaining the integrity of the shipment from origin to destination is equally important. Investments in cold-chain infrastructure and globally certified handling processes are helping us support exporters with the reliability they need.”

Boost for Maharashtra Exporters

The new international cargo service is expected to benefit farmers, traders and freight forwarders across Maharashtra by providing faster access to overseas markets where fresh Indian produce commands premium prices.

“The Gulf has long been a strong market for Indian produce,” Mamidala said. “By making additional capacity available from Navi Mumbai, we are creating faster and more efficient pathways for exporters while strengthening India’s agricultural export ecosystem.”

The launch comes amid rising demand for fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products across the Middle East, reinforcing the need for dependable air freight capacity.

For Air India Cargo, the successful movement of the first export consignment signals the commercial potential of Navi Mumbai International Airport as a new logistics hub. More broadly, it marks the opening of a new trade gateway linking western India’s farms and businesses with consumers across the Gulf and beyond.

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