India, May 2 -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed "deep disappointment" with the Adani Group-operated Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) for cancelling slots dedicated to cargo flights starting next season "unilaterally". In a statement released this week, the airline association said the move would "cause long-lasting damage to the airport's reputation and credibility" and wondered if it was aimed at shifting cargo flights to the upcoming Navi Mumbai Internation Airport (NMIA), also operated by the Adani Group.

"We hope Adani Airports, as the operator of the two-airport system in Mumbai, is not using this situation to pressure airlines to move their operations to their upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport...