Civil Aviation Ministry, airlines to discuss Mumbai airport issues on October 6

New Delhi/Mumbai: The Civil Aviation Ministry convened a meeting of airlines and Adani Airport's representatives on Tuesday to discuss the proposed partial shifting of international flights from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai airport, according to sources.

With Mumbai airport's Terminal 1 (T1) renovation set to start in January 2027, airlines have been asked to stop one-third of their international operations from October 25 or shift them to Navi Mumbai airport.

Both airports are part of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL).


However, airlines have expressed concerns about the move, and AAHL has said extensive consultations have been taking place with airlines on the future of T1 since 2020.

Sources said representatives of airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Adani Airports, are expected to attend the meeting to be chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha.

The meeting is scheduled to be held on October 6, Tuesday, they added.

On October 3, AAHL said 91 per cent of Mumbai airport's passenger traffic will remain unaffected due to the demolition of the north section of T1 for the redevelopment of the six-decade-old terminal and subsequent relocation of partial operations to T2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport.

T1 redevelopment will begin in January 2027, which will increase its capacity by 33 per cent - up to 20 mppa (million passengers per annum) from the current 15 mppa, AAHL had said in a statement.

Mumbai International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, has two terminals -- T1 and T2. While T1 is used for domestic operations, international flights operate from T2.

Global airlines' grouping IATA has opposed the partial relocation of international flights and termed it a "forceful relocation".

In a letter to the ministry on September 9, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also sought the Civil Aviation Ministry's intervention in the matter.

On October 3, AAHL said "extensive consultations" with airlines on the future of T1 have been ongoing since 2020, and the proposed redevelopment was also presented before the airport's tariff regulator AERA and subsequently incorporated into the approved tariff framework.

"Of Mumbai airport's approximately 55 million passengers per annum, only around 5 mppa (about 9 per cent) will be temporarily de-operationalised," AAHL had said.

To ensure continuity of operations and minimise inconvenience to passengers, AAHL had said it has provided airlines with the option to temporarily relocate their operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport at their discretion.

AAHL will support airlines through this transition and will provide all necessary assistance to ensure a smooth and seamless migration of services, it had said.

Mumbai airport operator MIAL has communicated to the 46 airlines to effect a 33 per cent cut in international departure slots at the airport with effect from 11.59 pm on October 25.

At present, a total of 46 airlines operate 770 weekly international flights from T2 and from October 25, which is also the start of the winter schedule, MIAL has asked carriers to temporarily discontinue 265 weekly overseas services, sources had said on October 2.

The vacated international departure slots at T2 will be used to facilitate the transition of domestic traffic from T1.

Only the North Section of Terminal 1B, which accounts for around one-third of T1 of Mumbai Airport's capacity, is being demolished in Phase 1 to minimise passenger inconvenience and operational disruption, AAHL CEO Arun Bansal had said on October 3.

AAHL said T1 has long been identified as a safety-related concern, with only temporary mitigation measures being implemented over the years due to the absence of a viable alternative for passengers and airlines.

Following the fire incident at T1 in April this year, the risks associated with continuing operations have become even more pronounced, it had said.

"With Navi Mumbai International Airport now operational and capable of providing an alternative option for airlines and travellers, the planned closure and phased demolition of Terminal 1 can no longer be deferred," AAHL had said.

According to the IATA letter, airlines would expect that temporary infrastructure works or transitional arrangements should not prejudice established historic slot entitlements.

"IATA and the airline community remain fully supportive of Navi Mumbai International Airport and the long-term development of the Mumbai dual airport system. However, this should be based on market forces and airlines' choice rather than mandated, forced relocations.

"Equally, the airport owner and operators should recognise the need to willingly consult with airlines as their primary customers that is sadly lacking," the letter had said.

IATA represents over 370 airlines, including Indian carriers.

Last month, AERA announced waiving landing charges for international flights at the Navi Mumbai International Airport for one year.

In addition, AAHL plans to offer cash vouchers to international passengers to offset the difference in the User Development Fee (UDF) levied at Navi Mumbai and Mumbai airports.