Loaders' agitation halts cargo operations at Mumbai Air Cargo Complex

All cargo work at Mumbai's Air Cargo Complex (ACC) has come to a standstill because of an agitation by loaders, according to a notice issued by the ACC Import Committee on Thursday.

The committee told its members that all cargo operations have been affected by the protest. Members have been asked to plan the clearance of their import and export cargo accordingly until services return to normal.

In the message, dated November 5, the committee asked members to take note of the situation and advised them to make the necessary arrangements for their import and export consignments in view of the disruption.

The notice is signed by committee chairman Kaushal Thakkar and Mukesh Makhija. It does not say why the loaders are protesting, nor when cargo operations are expected to resume.

Cargo clearance at the complex is likely to remain affected until normal operations are restored.

Meanwhile, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will keep both its runways closed for six hours on November 19. The closure is part of its annual post-monsoon maintenance programme.

According to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which operates the airport, runways 09/27 and 14/32 will be shut from 11 am to 5 pm IST. The closure is under an annual programme to ensure runway safety, reliable operations and compliance with global aviation standards.

The work will include detailed inspection, surface repairs, and technical checks of runway lighting, markings and drainage systems. The airport operator said the maintenance is an important part of its year-round operational readiness.

MIAL said a NOTAM, or Notice to Airmen, has already been issued so that airlines and other stakeholders can adjust their flight schedules and arrange staffing needs.

Coordination with airlines and stakeholders began six months before the scheduled maintenance. The advance planning is meant to align operational requirements and keep passenger inconvenience to a minimum. CSMIA said the maintenance reflects its emphasis on safe, secure and efficient airside operations.

The airport is also a major hub for export-import and logistics. Its air cargo terminal handles more than 0.85 million metric tonnes of cargo every year.