Archive · 7 Oct 2026
IATA Calls for Consultation on Mumbai Airport Flight Transition
Mumbai’s airport operator wants some international flights to move from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai airport.
Airlines have objected to the proposed changes.
The aviation ministry has asked the operator to pause the plan and talk with the airlines.
IATA says everyone should agree on a new plan after reviewing how much airport capacity is needed.
It also says airlines and passengers need enough time to prepare.
A meeting on October 13 is planned to discuss the transition.
The changes are connected to the redevelopment of Mumbai airport’s T1 terminal, which is expected to start in January 2027.
The operator says the work will increase T1’s yearly capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers.
IATA says a revised plan for shifting flights should be agreed through consultation among the airport operator and airlines.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked Adani Airport Holdings to defer its proposed partial shift of international flights.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd asked 46 airlines to cut 33% of international departure slots from October 25, affecting 265 weekly services, according to sources.
The October 13 meeting is expected to discuss a transition plan and firm arrangements for shifting operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
T1 redevelopment is scheduled to begin in January 2027; the operator says capacity will rise from 15 million to 20 million passengers annually.
- Who
- IATA, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, Mumbai International Airport Ltd, airlines, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- What
- A proposed partial shift and reduction of international flights from Mumbai airport is being deferred for further consultation and planning.
- When
- The stakeholder meeting is scheduled for October 13; the proposed slot changes were due from October 25, and T1 redevelopment is planned to begin in January 2027.
- Where
- Mumbai airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- Why
- The plan is linked to the redevelopment of Mumbai airport’s T1 terminal and the need to arrange airport capacity and flight operations during the work.
Airport Operator’s Transition Proposal
Airlines’ and IATA’s Concerns
Reducing or shifting international flights
Airport Operator’s Transition Proposal
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd proposed that airlines reduce international flights at Mumbai airport and shift some operations to Navi Mumbai as part of the transition associated with T1 redevelopment.
Airlines’ and IATA’s Concerns
Carriers opposed the proposed cuts. IATA said any significant capacity reduction affecting airline operations should follow consultation and a transparent demand-capacity assessment.
Timing and transition planning
Airport Operator’s Transition Proposal
The airport operator sought changes to international departure slots from October 25, the start of the winter schedule.
Airlines’ and IATA’s Concerns
The Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed delaying the transition, while IATA called for sufficient time to develop workable arrangements that protect passengers, airline operations, and connectivity.
- IATA position
- A revised transition approach should be reached through consultation and based on a transparent demand-capacity assessment.
- Proposed slot reduction
- MIAL asked airlines to reduce international departure slots by 33% from October 25.
- Flights affected
- Sources said 265 weekly international services would be temporarily discontinued from a current total of 770 weekly flights.
- Airlines operating
- A total of 46 airlines operate international flights from T2.
- Next discussion
- Representatives of AAHL and airlines are due to meet on October 13.
- T1 redevelopment
- Work is planned to begin in January 2027.
- Planned T1 capacity
- AAHL says redevelopment will raise capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers per annum.