5 hrs ago
Centre Delays Mumbai-to-Navi Mumbai Airline Shift for Further Talks
The government had planned for some airline flights to move from Mumbai’s airport to the new airport in Navi Mumbai.
Airlines said moving so soon could cost them too much and might lead to losses.
The government has therefore given them more time to work out the details.
The airlines will talk with Adani Airport Holdings, which operates both airports, and then send their ideas to the civil aviation ministry.
A meeting is planned for October 13, followed by another around October 20.
One idea is for the Navi Mumbai airport to reimburse passengers for a while, but no details have been decided.
The move is connected to rebuilding Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport.
The government says it wants redevelopment to proceed without major passenger disruption or unmanageable costs for airlines.
The government has paused plans to move domestic airline operations from CSMIA to NMIA by October 25.
Airlines said the proposed shift could be costly and cause financial losses, and asked for more time to negotiate.
Carriers will discuss commercial and operational terms with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and submit proposals to the civil aviation ministry.
A consultation is scheduled for October 13, with a further meeting expected around October 20 to discuss a plan.
The discussions are linked to CSMIA Terminal 1 redevelopment; possible passenger reimbursements and NMIA airport charges remain under consideration.
- Who
- The civil aviation ministry, domestic airlines, and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.
- What
- The government has postponed the planned deadline for shifting domestic airline operations from CSMIA to NMIA while negotiations continue.
- Where
- Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- When
- The original slot-discontinuation date was October 25; meetings are scheduled for October 13 and around October 20. The article does not specify the year.
- Why
- Airlines said the move could be costly and cause financial losses; the government aims to facilitate CSMIA redevelopment while avoiding major passenger disruption and unviable costs.
Airlines’ concerns
Government and airport operator’s position
Timing and financial viability of the shift
Airlines’ concerns
Airlines say moving operations within the proposed timeframe requires more time, due diligence, and clear terms, and could create extra costs and financial losses.
Government and airport operator’s position
The government is seeking a transition plan that supports CSMIA’s planned redevelopment without significant passenger disruption or an unviable cost burden; AAHL says NMIA can handle up to 5 million international passengers annually.
Airport charges and passenger impact
Airlines’ concerns
Airlines have raised concerns about NMIA’s higher User Development Fee, operating costs, connectivity, and the possible effect on passenger demand.
Government and airport operator’s position
AAHL has proposed cash vouchers to offset the UDF difference and a 100% waiver on landing charges for new international flights; passenger reimbursement is also being discussed, but no mechanism has been finalised.
Key facts
- Original planned date
- Airlines’ weekly departure slots at CSMIA were originally due to be discontinued from October 25.
- Next consultation
- October 13 at CSMIA.
- Further meeting
- Expected around October 20.
- CSMIA Terminal 1 capacity
- Redevelopment is expected to increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 15 million to 20 million.
- Proposed NMIA passenger transfer
- NMIA is expected eventually to handle up to 5 million international passengers annually shifted from Mumbai airport.
- International passenger UDF
- The article says NMIA charges ₹1,225 for an international departing passenger, compared with ₹615 at CSMIA.
- Possible passenger support
- Reimbursement by NMIA for a certain period is under discussion, but details have not been finalised.
Quotes
A source familiar with the development
An unnamed source describing the airlines’ position in the negotiations.
“The airlines were firm that shifting to Navi Mumbai at this stage is not possible.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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