Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Airlines Urge Third Ground Handling Agency at Mumbai Airport
Airlines in India are asking the government to make sure Mumbai airport has a third company to help with things like loading luggage and guiding planes.
Right now, there are only two companies doing this job, which makes it hard to handle all the flights.
The airport says they are already looking for a third company and will choose one by the end of July.
The airlines say having a third company will help things run smoother, especially when there are problems like strikes or bad weather.
The airport says things are running fine right now, but the airlines want the government to make sure everything is fair and follows the rules.
Airlines urge the appointment of a third ground handling agency at Mumbai airport to comply with regulations.
The airport operator states the selection process for a third agency is underway and will conclude by the end of July 2026.
Currently, only two ground handling agencies are operational at Mumbai airport.
Airlines claim the lack of a third agency has led to operational challenges and increased pressure on existing resources.
The airport operator assures that current ground handling services are safe, reliable, and efficient.
- Who
- Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
- What
- Airlines are urging the appointment of a third ground handling agency at Mumbai airport.
- When
- The selection process is expected to conclude by the end of July 2026.
- Where
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai.
- Why
- To comply with regulatory requirements and manage increasing airline operations.
Airlines' Perspective
Airport Operator's Perspective
Need for Third Agency
Airlines' Perspective
Airlines argue that Mumbai airport must have a third ground handling agency to comply with regulations and manage increasing operations.
Airport Operator's Perspective
The airport operator states that the selection process for a third agency is already underway and will conclude by the end of July 2026.
Operational Impact
Airlines' Perspective
Airlines claim that the lack of a third agency has led to operational challenges and increased pressure on existing resources.
Airport Operator's Perspective
The airport operator assures that current ground handling services are safe, reliable, and efficient.
- Regulatory Requirement
- Airports with over 10 million passengers annually must have three ground handling agencies.
- Current Agencies
- AI Airport Services Limited (AIASL) and Adani.
- Terminated Agency
- Bird Worldwide Flight Services (BWFS) in January 2026.
- Bid Submission Deadline
- February 28, 2026.
- Qualified Bidders
- Seven.
- Expected Completion of Selection Process
- End of July 2026.
- Federation's Request
- Review of ground handling framework and appointment of a third agency.