Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Minister to Hear Stakeholders in Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Flight Dispute
The government is meeting airlines and airport representatives to discuss changes to flights at Mumbai airport.
The changes are connected to rebuilding part of Terminal 1, with work planned to start in January 2027.
Mumbai airport has asked airlines to stop 265 weekly international flights from October 25 or move some services to Navi Mumbai.
Airlines want more information about the construction plan, how flights will be affected and whether Navi Mumbai is ready.
The airport company says the work is needed because of safety concerns and says airlines can choose whether to move.
IATA, an airline group, says airlines should not be forced to relocate.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu says the government will decide after hearing all sides.
He also said the ministry is discussing rising aviation fuel costs with airlines and oil companies.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the ministry will decide after hearing stakeholders on the proposed flight changes.
The dispute concerns Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 redevelopment and a proposed temporary cut or relocation of international services from Terminal 2.
Mumbai International Airport has asked 46 airlines to discontinue 265 of its 770 weekly international flights from October 25.
Airlines want details on the refurbishment schedule, capacity, flight impacts and Navi Mumbai airport’s operational readiness before any transition.
Adani Airport Holdings says the redevelopment addresses safety concerns and offers airlines the option to shift services; IATA opposes forced relocation and argues airlines should choose.
- Who
- Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, airlines, Mumbai airport operator MIAL, Adani Airport Holdings and airline groups IATA and FIA.
- What
- The ministry is hearing stakeholders about proposed reductions or relocation of some international flights tied to Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 redevelopment.
- When
- The stakeholder meeting is scheduled for October 6; the requested flight changes begin October 25. Terminal 1 redevelopment is planned to start in January 2027.
- Where
- Mumbai airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Why
- The proposed flight changes are intended to accommodate Terminal 1 redevelopment; Adani Airport Holdings cites safety concerns at the terminal.
Airport operator’s case for transition
Airlines’ concerns and choice
Flight relocation
Airport operator’s case for transition
Adani Airport Holdings says airlines may temporarily relocate services to Navi Mumbai at their discretion and that it will support the transition.
Airlines’ concerns and choice
IATA opposes what it calls a forceful relocation, saying decisions should follow market forces and airlines’ choice rather than a mandate.
Need and timing of redevelopment
Airport operator’s case for transition
Adani Airport Holdings says Terminal 1 has safety concerns, made more pronounced after an April fire, and says redevelopment can proceed with Navi Mumbai available as an alternative.
Airlines’ concerns and choice
Airlines want a detailed refurbishment roadmap, including what will be demolished or refurbished, the phases and timelines, and how flight networks will be affected.
Consultation and preparedness
Airport operator’s case for transition
Adani Airport Holdings says consultations on Terminal 1’s future have been ongoing since 2020 and that the redevelopment was included in the approved tariff framework.
Airlines’ concerns and choice
Airlines seek open, collective agreement on the transition and a detailed assessment of Navi Mumbai’s operational readiness, including engineering, maintenance providers and regulatory approvals.
- Minister’s position
- Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the ministry will decide after hearing stakeholders.
- Proposed flight change
- MIAL asked 46 airlines to discontinue 265 weekly international services from October 25.
- Current international schedule
- The 46 airlines operate 770 weekly international flights from Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2.
- Redevelopment timing
- Terminal 1 redevelopment is planned to begin in January 2027.
- Capacity projection
- Adani Airport Holdings says Terminal 1 capacity is expected to rise from 15 million to 20 million passengers per year.
- Passenger impact estimate
- Adani Airport Holdings said about 5 million of Mumbai airport’s roughly 55 million annual passengers, or around 9 per cent, would be temporarily affected.
- Airline concerns
- Airlines are seeking details on the work plan, capacity, flight impacts and Navi Mumbai airport’s operational readiness.
- Fuel prices
- Naidu said the ministry is discussing the impact of aviation turbine fuel prices with airlines and oil marketing companies, citing the West Asia crisis.
