The Centre has put on hold the proposed reduction of international flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, giving airlines and Adani Airports more time to work out the transition to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Mumbai International Airport Ltd had proposed shifting or discontinuing 265 of the airport’s 770 weekly international departures from October 25. The move was linked to the planned redevelopment of Terminal 1, with international operations at Terminal 2 expected to make room for domestic flights displaced during the redevelopment.
Airlines had opposed the proposed timeline, saying the winter schedule had already been planned and sold. Carriers also raised concerns over operational disruptions, passenger connectivity, additional costs and the need for greater clarity on the Terminal 1 redevelopment plan.
Following a meeting with airlines, Adani Airports, Airports Authority of India and other stakeholders, the Civil Aviation Ministry asked the airport operator to defer the current transition plan and hold further consultations. A fresh roadmap is expected to be prepared with inputs from the airlines.
The next consultation is scheduled for October 13, followed by another meeting around October 20 to finalise the transition plan. The government wants the concerns of airlines and other stakeholders addressed before the shift is implemented.
Adani Airports has said Navi Mumbai International Airport is equipped to handle up to 5 million international passengers annually. The operator has also highlighted road connectivity, hotels, lounges, catering facilities and other passenger infrastructure at the new airport.
The proposed shift is part of a larger redevelopment plan for Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1. The latest decision delays the immediate flight cuts but does not cancel the planned transition to Navi Mumbai. A mutually agreed timeline and operating framework are now expected to be worked out between the airlines and airport operator.
