Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Government Delays Adani Plan to Shift Mumbai International Flights
Mumbai airport is preparing to rebuild one of its terminals.
To make room for the work, Adani Airport Holdings proposed moving some international flights to the new Navi Mumbai airport.
Airlines raised concerns about how the change would affect their operations and passengers.
The government has asked the airport operator to wait a few weeks before making the change.
It wants the airlines and airport operator to agree on a clear plan first.
They are due to meet on October 13 and again on October 20.
The Navi Mumbai airport operator says the airport is ready to handle international passengers.
The goal is to manage the move while keeping travel convenient and operations running smoothly.
The civil aviation ministry asked Adani Airport Holdings to delay shifting some international flights from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai by a few weeks.
AAHL had asked airlines to move 33% of their international flights or discontinue those services by October 25; airlines opposed the proposal.
The plan is linked to redevelopment work at Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1, which will affect flight operations.
A meeting chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha included airlines, AAHL, the Federation of Indian Airlines, IATA and the Airports Authority of India.
Airlines and AAHL are scheduled to discuss a transition plan on October 13, with another meeting planned for October 20.
- Who
- The civil aviation ministry, Adani Airport Holdings, and airlines operating international services from Mumbai.
- What
- The ministry asked AAHL to delay its proposed partial shift of international flights from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and sought a firm transition plan.
- When
- The request was made on Tuesday; discussions are scheduled for October 13 and October 20. AAHL’s original deadline was October 25.
- Where
- Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports; the ministry meeting took place in New Delhi.
- Why
- Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 is due for redevelopment, while airlines have raised operational concerns about transferring services between the two airports.
Airlines’ concerns
Airport operator’s case
Timing and scale of the shift
Airlines’ concerns
Airlines opposed the proposed 33% reduction or relocation, citing operational implications of moving international services between two airports.
Airport operator’s case
AAHL proposed the change in connection with Terminal 1 redevelopment and sought to move some international operations to Navi Mumbai.
Readiness and passenger impact
Airlines’ concerns
Carriers sought a workable transition plan that accounts for aircraft schedules, passenger connectivity and operational effects.
Airport operator’s case
AAHL said Navi Mumbai could handle up to 5 million international passengers annually and cited airport connectivity, catering, hotels and lounges as supporting facilities.
- Proposed flight change
- AAHL asked airlines to shift 33% of their international flights to Navi Mumbai or discontinue those services.
- Original deadline
- October 25
- Ministry request
- Delay the transition by a few weeks and prepare a firm plan.
- Next discussions
- October 13, followed by another meeting on October 20.
- Navi Mumbai capacity stated by AAHL
- Up to 5 million international passengers annually.
- Terminal redevelopment
- Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 redevelopment is driving the proposed operational changes.
- Meeting chair
- Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha
