Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Mumbai Airport Plans Terminal 1 Revamp, Shifting Flights to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai’s main airport is planning to rebuild part of its old Terminal 1.
To make room for the work, some flights are expected to move to Navi Mumbai airport and some Terminal 1 flights to Terminal 2.
MIAL says at least 265 weekly international flights will move to Navi Mumbai by October 25.
The first demolition phase is planned for the north section of Terminal 1B and is due to start on January 15, 2027.
The airport operator says the move to Navi Mumbai is temporary.
It estimates that about five million passengers could be affected.
People travelling to Navi Mumbai may need more time and money to get to the airport.
The operator expects most Mumbai airport passengers to be unaffected and says the changes should help limit disruption.
MIAL plans to move at least 265 of Mumbai airport’s 770 weekly international flights to Navi Mumbai International Airport by October 25.
From October 25, at least one-third of Terminal 1 air traffic movements are also due to shift to Terminal 2.
Phase 1 will demolish the north section of Terminal 1B, with work planned to begin on January 15, 2027.
The Adani Group says about five million passengers—nearly 9% of Mumbai airport’s annual traffic—will be temporarily affected; 91% are expected to remain unaffected.
Passengers moved to Navi Mumbai may face longer road journeys and higher travel costs, while the shift is also expected to ease congestion at Mumbai airport.
- Who
- Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), airlines and passengers using Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports.
- What
- MIAL plans to shift at least 265 weekly international flights to Navi Mumbai International Airport and move at least one-third of Terminal 1 air traffic movements to Terminal 2 as part of a redevelopment.
- When
- The flight shifts are planned by October 25; demolition of the north section of Terminal 1B is planned to begin January 15, 2027.
- Where
- Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Why
- To redevelop Terminal 1, which MIAL describes as nearly eight decades old and a safety concern, while limiting disruption to airport operations and passengers.
Passenger and commuter concerns
Airport operator’s rationale
Travel impact
Passenger and commuter concerns
Passengers shifted to Navi Mumbai may face longer road journeys and higher travel costs.
Airport operator’s rationale
The Adani Group says about 91% of Mumbai airport passengers will remain unaffected and the temporary shift is intended to limit inconvenience and disruption.
Need for redevelopment
Passenger and commuter concerns
The article reports concerns about the extra time and expense passengers may incur because of the flight relocation.
Airport operator’s rationale
MIAL says Terminal 1 is nearly eight decades old and has been identified as a safety concern; it says the first phase is limited to the north section of Terminal 1B to reduce operational effects.
- Weekly international flights at issue
- At least 265 of 770 are planned to move to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Flight-shift deadline
- October 25.
- Terminal 1B demolition
- The north section is planned for demolition beginning January 15, 2027.
- Terminal 1 current capacity
- Around 15 million passengers per annum (mppa).
- Terminal 1 capacity after redevelopment
- The Adani Group says capacity will rise by 33% to 20 mppa.
- Passengers expected to be temporarily affected
- Around five million, or nearly 9% of Mumbai airport’s annual passenger traffic, according to the Adani Group.
- Passengers expected to remain unaffected
- 91%, according to Adani Airport Holdings Limited CEO Arun Bansal.