1 hr ago
Mumbai Airport, Airlines Clash Over Navi Mumbai Flight Shift
Mumbai airport is rebuilding one of its terminals, called Terminal 1.
The airport says the rebuilding must start on time.
About one-third of Terminal 1 will close in January 2027.
This will affect space used by about five million passengers each year.
The airport suggested moving some international flights to the newer Navi Mumbai International Airport.
However, airlines have not agreed to move their existing flights there.
They are worried that passengers may not want to use the new airport and that it may be difficult to reach.
The airport operator says airlines can choose where to operate, but Terminal 1 will still be closed and rebuilt.
Adani Airports plans to proceed with Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 demolition and redevelopment on schedule.
Airlines have not committed to moving existing international operations from Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The airport operator had proposed shifting about 30% of international flights from Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai from October.
Terminal 1’s phased shutdown is scheduled to begin in January 2027, initially removing one-third of its capacity.
Airlines cite passenger demand and last-mile connectivity concerns, while Adani Airports says it cannot force carriers to relocate.
- Who
- Adani Airports, led in the article by CEO Arun Bansal, and airlines operating from Mumbai airport.
- What
- They remain at odds over whether international flights should shift to Navi Mumbai as Terminal 1 is demolished and redeveloped.
- Where
- Mumbai airport, including Terminal 2, and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- When
- The proposed traffic shift is expected from October, while Terminal 1’s phased shutdown is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
- Why
- Terminal 1 must be demolished and rebuilt, requiring space for passengers and flights currently handled there.
Airport Operator’s Position
Airlines’ Concerns
Whether Terminal 1 should close on schedule
Airport Operator’s Position
Adani Airports says Terminal 1 demolition cannot be delayed and that it must begin the redevelopment process as planned.
Airlines’ Concerns
Airlines must adjust their operations because Terminal 1 capacity will be reduced, but they have not committed to the proposed relocation plan.
Moving flights to Navi Mumbai
Airport Operator’s Position
The airport operator has proposed shifting about 30% of international flights from Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai and says carriers cannot be forced to operate from any particular airport.
Airlines’ Concerns
Airlines have not agreed to move existing international operations from Terminal 2, citing uncertainty about passenger demand and last-mile connectivity.
How displaced capacity should be handled
Airport Operator’s Position
Adani Airports says airlines can choose to operate from Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, or adjust their schedules, but the capacity currently served by Terminal 1 must be accommodated somewhere.
Airlines’ Concerns
The airlines’ lack of commitment leaves the amount of traffic that can actually be transferred before the shutdown uncertain.
Key facts
- Airport operator
- Adani Airports
- Terminal affected
- Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1
- Proposed flight shift
- About 30% of international flights from Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai
- Proposed start of shift
- October
- Terminal 1 shutdown
- Phased closure beginning in January 2027
- Initial capacity reduction
- One-third of Terminal 1’s capacity
- Passengers affected
- About 5 million travellers annually currently handled by Terminal 1
- Airline concerns
- Passenger demand and last-mile connectivity at Navi Mumbai
Quotes
Arun Bansal
CEO of Adani Airports
“As per the AERA order, we are supposed to demolish T1. It's a known fact. Everybody knows that in this control period, we have to tear it down and rebuild a new one. So we are starting that process now from October.”
CNBC TV 18
“We can never force any airline to operate from Navi Mumbai or Mumbai or Ahmedabad or wherever. It's their choice.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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