Mumbai airport plans Rs 2,000 crore revamp to handle 55 flights an hour

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) plans to invest around Rs 2,000 crore in airside projects over the coming years as it seeks to raise peak-hour capacity to as many as 55 aircraft movements from the current 46, PTI reported, citing officials.

The projects will focus on improving aircraft movement and reducing delays at one of the world's few airports with high-intensity runway operations. MIAL also plans to deploy advanced surveillance and surface-movement technologies and build a dedicated crew terminal as part of a broader push to increase capacity and operational efficiency.

Mumbai International Airport, spread across 1,900 acres, operates two cross runways — 09/27 and 14/32. Because the runways intersect, simultaneous takeoffs and landings are not possible. The airport currently maintains a gap of about 65 seconds between two aircraft movements, according to officials cited by PTI.


The planned infrastructure upgrades are aimed at lifting peak-hour capacity to around 52-55 aircraft movements, or ATMs, through a combination of faster aircraft movement, additional taxiways and apron improvements.

Taxiways, aprons to get a major overhaul

MIAL, which operates the airport as part of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), will construct an eastern parallel taxiway between E5 and E7 along runway 14/32.

The operator will also extend taxiway M, including a bridge over the Mithi river, to improve aircraft sequencing and reduce departure delays. Sections of the western parallel taxiway, W/W1, along runway 14/32 will be developed to cut runway occupancy time and reduce aircraft backtracking.

The plans also include realigning and extending taxiway N, adding taxiway links and rapid-exit taxiways, and reconfiguring and expanding apron areas at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, cargo and general aviation zones.

These changes are intended to improve the flow of aircraft between runways, taxiways and parking stands, allowing the airport to handle more movements within existing operational constraints.

Technology push

MIAL will also upgrade its Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), expand multilateration coverage and strengthen surveillance systems.

The airport operator has been pursuing capacity and efficiency projects across airside infrastructure, passenger terminals, ancillary buildings, kerbside facilities, external connectivity and technology, PTI reported.

Mumbai airport handled 55.3 million passengers in 2025-26, including 38.9 million domestic and 16.4 million international travellers.

T1 redevelopment to begin in 2027

The capacity expansion comes alongside a major redevelopment of the airport's passenger infrastructure. MIAL plans to demolish Terminal 1, with redevelopment scheduled to begin in January 2027.

The new Terminal 1 is expected to be commissioned in 2029-30.

The airport's expansion plans are also unfolding as airlines prepare for a temporary shift of some international passenger and cargo operations to Navi Mumbai airport, which is also operated by AAHL.

IATA flags concerns over Navi Mumbai shift

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sought the civil aviation ministry's intervention over the proposed partial shift, calling for a transition framework that has the backing of all stakeholders.

In a September 9 letter to the ministry, the global airline grouping said temporary infrastructure or transitional arrangements should not prejudice airlines' established historic slot entitlements.

MIAL said on September 30 that the shift would be temporary and that airlines' historic slot rights would be honoured once the new Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport becomes operational.