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Government, Airlines to Discuss Shifting Flights to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai's Terminal 1 is planned for redevelopment starting in January 2027.
To prepare, the airport operator has asked airlines to reduce some international flights from Mumbai airport starting October 25.
The flights that stop using those slots will make room for domestic services moving from Terminal 1.
Airlines may shift some services to Navi Mumbai airport, which is also run by the Adani airport group.
The government has called a meeting with airlines and airport representatives to discuss the plan.
The airport group says the work is needed because of safety concerns and that most passengers will not be affected.
IATA, a group representing airlines, says airlines should be able to choose whether to move rather than be forced.
The redevelopment is expected to increase Terminal 1's yearly capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has called airlines and Adani Airport representatives to discuss moving some international flights from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai.
The meeting is scheduled for October 6 and is expected to be chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha.
Mumbai airport operator MIAL has asked 46 airlines to temporarily discontinue 265 of their 770 weekly international services from October 25.
Adani Airport Holdings says redevelopment of Terminal 1 will begin in January 2027, with its capacity expected to rise from 15 million to 20 million passengers a year.
IATA opposes a mandated relocation, while Adani Airport Holdings says airlines may choose to move services to Navi Mumbai and that consultations have been ongoing since 2020.
- Who
- The Civil Aviation Ministry, airlines, Adani Airport Holdings and Mumbai airport operator MIAL.
- What
- A meeting will discuss the proposed temporary reduction and relocation of some international flights from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai airport.
- Where
- Mumbai airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- When
- The meeting is scheduled for October 6; the requested flight changes take effect October 25. Terminal 1 redevelopment is due to begin in January 2027.
- Why
- The changes are intended to accommodate Terminal 1 redevelopment; Adani Airport Holdings also cites safety concerns at the terminal.
Airport operator and redevelopment rationale
Airline concerns and choice
Relocating international flights
Airport operator and redevelopment rationale
Adani Airport Holdings says airlines have the option to temporarily relocate services to Navi Mumbai and that the transition will be supported.
Airline concerns and choice
IATA calls the proposed partial relocation forceful and says moves should reflect market forces and airlines' choice, not a mandate.
Consultation and slot entitlements
Airport operator and redevelopment rationale
Adani Airport Holdings says consultations about Terminal 1's future have been ongoing since 2020 and that the redevelopment was included in the approved tariff framework.
Airline concerns and choice
IATA says airlines should be consulted as primary customers and that temporary works should not prejudice their historic slot entitlements.
Need for redevelopment
Airport operator and redevelopment rationale
Adani Airport Holdings says Terminal 1 has safety concerns, made more pronounced after an April fire, and that Navi Mumbai now provides an alternative.
Airline concerns and choice
IATA supports Navi Mumbai airport and the long-term dual-airport system, but says its development should not rely on forced airline relocations.
Key facts
- Meeting
- Scheduled for October 6, chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha.
- Requested flight changes
- MIAL has asked airlines to discontinue 265 weekly international services from October 25.
- Current international services
- 46 airlines operate 770 weekly international flights from Mumbai airport's Terminal 2.
- Terminal 1 redevelopment
- Planned to begin in January 2027; the north section of Terminal 1B is to be demolished in Phase 1.
- Projected capacity
- Terminal 1 capacity is expected to rise from 15 million to 20 million passengers per annum.
- Passenger impact estimate
- Adani Airport Holdings says around 5 million of Mumbai airport's approximately 55 million annual passengers will be temporarily affected.
- IATA position
- The airline association opposes forced relocations and says airlines should have a choice.
- Navi Mumbai incentive
- AERA has waived landing charges for international flights at Navi Mumbai for one year; Adani Airport Holdings plans passenger cash vouchers to offset the UDF difference.
Quotes
International Air Transport Association
Global airline association representing more than 370 airlines
“IATA and the airline community remain fully supportive of Navi Mumbai International Airport and the long-term development of the Mumbai dual airport system. However, this should be based on market forces and airlines' choice rather than mandated, forced relocations.”
telegraphindia.com
“With Navi Mumbai International Airport now operational and capable of providing an alternative option for airlines and travellers, the planned closure and phased demolition of Terminal 1 can no longer be deferred.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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