Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Aviation Ministry Seeks Navi Mumbai Airport Transition Plan
Mumbai’s existing airport plans to rebuild Terminal 1 in stages.
The government is discussing whether some airline operations should move to the new Navi Mumbai airport during this work.
Airlines and airport officials met with the Civil Aviation Secretary to discuss how the change could happen.
Airlines said they had already been talking with the airport operator about the move for 18 months.
The airport operator says Navi Mumbai can handle up to five million international passengers each year.
Officials plan more discussions on October 13 and October 20.
They have not yet decided exactly how many operations will move or when the change will happen.
The ministry also has not yet decided the airport’s User Development Fee, which matters for airlines’ planning.
The Civil Aviation Secretary met airlines and airport representatives about shifting some operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport as Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1 undergoes phased redevelopment.
Airlines including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air said they had discussed the proposed shift with the airport operator for 18 months.
A consultation on October 13 is intended to firm up the transition roadmap; a further meeting on October 20 is set to discuss the final plan.
The airport operator, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, said Navi Mumbai airport is prepared to handle up to five million international passengers annually.
The transition’s scope and schedule remain undecided, and the ministry’s decision on Navi Mumbai’s User Development Fee is pending.
- Who
- The Civil Aviation Secretary, domestic airlines, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, the Airports Authority of India and the Federation of Indian Airlines.
- What
- They discussed a transition plan for moving some airline operations from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport during Terminal 1 redevelopment.
- When
- The meeting was held on Tuesday; further consultations are scheduled for October 13 and October 20. The year is not specified.
- Where
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Why
- The discussions concern the phased redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport and the proposed transfer of some operations.
Move operations
Concerns and unresolved issues
Timing and method of transition
Move operations
Adani Airport Holdings Limited presented its preparedness to handle up to five million international passengers annually and highlighted airport facilities and connectivity.
Concerns and unresolved issues
The articles report differences over the pace and manner of shifting operations, and say airlines raised operational concerns; the final schedule and scope remain undecided.
Airport charges
Move operations
The airport operator presented facilities and readiness for the proposed shift.
Concerns and unresolved issues
The User Development Fee decision is pending, and the fee could affect airlines’ operational and commercial planning.
- Planned consultation
- October 13, to firm up the transition plan
- Further meeting
- October 20, to discuss the final plan
- Potential passenger volume
- Up to 5 million international passengers annually
- Airlines named
- IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air
- Airline discussions
- The named domestic carriers said discussions with the airport operator had been underway for 18 months
- Pending issue
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has yet to decide the User Development Fee at Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Terminal 1 capacity after redevelopment
- Expected to rise from 15 million to 20 million passengers annually
