FedEx Begins Construction on Navi Mumbai Automated Air Cargo Hub

FedEx and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) have broken ground on a new, fully automated air cargo hub, marking a significant step in expanding logistics capacity in Western India. The project represents a long-term investment of Rs 2,500 crore, according to a joint statement from the companies.

Strategic Investment in India's Trade Corridor

The development aims to strengthen India's largest international trade corridor and establish the region as a key logistics gateway. The 300,000 sq. ft. facility, developed in partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), will function as a regional consolidation and redistribution hub. Once operational, the project is expected to generate over 6,000 direct and indirect jobs across logistics, warehousing, and transportation services.

This investment aligns with broader trends in India's rapidly growing air freight market. According to an IMARC Group report, India's air cargo market reached 3.26 million tons in 2024 and is projected to grow to 9.56 million tons by 2033. The new hub leverages NMIA's multimodal infrastructure, including its proximity to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port and major industrial corridors.

"This development reflects NMIA's long-term vision of building integrated infrastructure that strengthens India's trade competitiveness," said Jeet Adani, Director at AAHL. Kami Viswanathan, President of FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA), added, "Establishing this hub at NMIA allows us to integrate global network strength with India's fastest-growing trade corridor, providing greater certainty, speed and efficiency to customers."

Advanced Automation and Capacity

The facility will be equipped with advanced automated sorting systems, dimensional scanning, and high-speed screening technology. It will also feature dedicated aircraft parking bays to enable simultaneous processing of inbound and outbound shipments. This technology is designed to improve transit time predictability, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. The hub is also expected to enhance export-import capabilities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

NMIA's cargo infrastructure is planned to launch with an initial handling capacity of approximately 0.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) annually. The capacity is set to scale in phases to around 3.25 MMT in its final development stage. This expansion is part of a long-term strategy to position the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as a leading air freight and logistics hub. More details can be found in the official press release.

Key Takeaways

• Invests Rs 2,500 crore in a 300,000 sq. ft. automated facility.
• Creates over 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• Supports NMIA's cargo capacity growth from 0.5 to 3.25 million metric tonnes.
• Enhances logistics for high-value sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

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