1 hr ago
Air France-KLM Rejects Split Mumbai Operations Amid Navi Mumbai Shift
Mumbai now has a newer airport called Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The airport operator wants some international flights to move there.
Air France-KLM does not want to divide its flights between the two airports.
The airline says this would require new teams and more complicated ground operations.
It also says the existing Mumbai airport is closer to the city.
The airport operator says moving flights could help while Terminal 1 at the existing airport is rebuilt.
Terminal 1 redevelopment is expected to begin in January 2027.
Navi Mumbai already has domestic flights and an international Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi.
Air France-KLM plans to increase its weekly flights connecting Indian cities with Paris and Amsterdam.
Air France-KLM said splitting its Mumbai operations between two airports is not practical.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd proposed moving about one-third of international passenger and cargo traffic to Navi Mumbai.
Air France-KLM cited existing teams, ground handling arrangements, connectivity and Mumbai airport’s closer location.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd said the transition could be temporary while Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 is rebuilt.
Navi Mumbai International Airport began domestic services on December 25, 2025, and later added Air India Express international flights to Abu Dhabi.
- Who
- Air France-KLM, Mumbai International Airport Ltd, and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd are involved.
- What
- Air France-KLM has rejected splitting its Mumbai operations between the existing Mumbai airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Where
- The issue concerns Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- When
- The airline stated its position on Wednesday; Terminal 1 redevelopment is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
- Why
- Air France-KLM says split operations would require additional teams, complicate ground handling, and weaken efficiency and connectivity.
Air France-KLM
Mumbai International Airport Ltd
Whether flights should be split
Air France-KLM
Air France-KLM says operating from both airports would be inefficient because it would need additional teams, new training and separate ground-handling arrangements.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd
Mumbai International Airport Ltd says Navi Mumbai provides an alternative operating facility within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Impact of Terminal 1 redevelopment
Air France-KLM
Air France-KLM wants to remain at the existing Mumbai airport, which it says is closer to the city and supports its connectivity.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd
Mumbai International Airport Ltd says airlines may relocate to Navi Mumbai or temporarily suspend operations from October 25 while Terminal 1 is rebuilt, with historic slot rights to be honoured once the new terminal opens.
Key facts
- Airline position
- Air France-KLM says split operations between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are not an option.
- Proposed transfer
- Mumbai International Airport Ltd proposed moving roughly one-third of international passenger and cargo air traffic movements to Navi Mumbai.
- Terminal 1 redevelopment
- Redevelopment at Mumbai airport is scheduled to commence in January 2027.
- Expected commissioning
- The new Terminal 1 at Mumbai International Airport is expected to be commissioned in 2029-30.
- Navi Mumbai domestic launch
- Navi Mumbai International Airport began domestic services on December 25, 2025.
- Navi Mumbai international launch
- Air India Express began international service from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi on July 15.
- Air France-KLM network
- The group operates 42 weekly services connecting four Indian cities with Paris and Amsterdam, rising to 54 in the winter schedule.
Quotes
Gumuseli
Air France-KLM representative responding to questions about relocating flights to NMIA
“From an efficiency perspective, we have teams on the ground and to split, we need to have new teams; we have ground handling teams already in Mumbai airport. There will be more challenges to train (people) and split operations to also have (operations) in Navi Mumbai. From that perspective, splitting is not an option”
telegraphindia.com
“We have our connectivity in Mumbai and Mumbai airport is closer to the city. From that perspective, our wish would be to remain where we are today and splitting is not an option. We want to stay in Mumbai”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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