Flying from Mumbai? Your flight may not leave from the airport you expect after October 1

Mumbai’s airport network is set for a major change from October 1, 2026, as a significant share of international flight operations is expected to move from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

The reshuffle is linked to the upcoming redevelopment of CSMIA’s eight-decade-old Terminal 1, with the first phase of demolition scheduled to begin in January 2027. The move is designed to create additional operational capacity and allow Mumbai’s aviation network to continue functioning while construction takes place.

30% of international flight movements to shift to Navi Mumbai

From October 1, around 30% of international flight movements currently handled by CSMIA Terminal 2 are expected to be transferred to Navi Mumbai International Airport.


Separately, from October 23, at least one-third of the traffic currently handled by CSMIA Terminal 1 is expected to move to Terminal 2.

The changes are intended to give airlines enough time to adjust their schedules before construction work begins at Terminal 1.

According to reports, the shift could involve nearly five million passengers per year from CSMIA's international capacity.

Why are Mumbai airport operations changing?

The major reshuffle is being planned because CSMIA Terminal 1 is scheduled for redevelopment.

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), which operates CSMIA, had originally planned the redevelopment earlier, but the project was delayed partly because Navi Mumbai International Airport was not yet operational.

With NMIA now providing additional capacity, airport authorities can begin redevelopment at Terminal 1 without completely shutting down Mumbai's existing airport operations.

MIAL has also appointed nodal officers to coordinate the transition, while airlines have been asked to nominate representatives to manage operational changes.

Terminal 1 demolition to begin in January 2027

The first phase of the redevelopment is expected to focus on the North Section of Terminal 1-B.

According to reports, demolition of the North Section is scheduled to begin on January 15, 2027.

The section currently caters to around five million passengers annually. Limiting the initial redevelopment to this portion is intended to reduce disruption for airlines and passengers.

The redevelopment was originally expected to start earlier but was postponed as authorities waited for Navi Mumbai International Airport to become operational.

Navi Mumbai International Airport becomes key to Mumbai's aviation network

Navi Mumbai International Airport has increasingly become an important part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's aviation infrastructure.

NMIA began domestic operations in December 2025 and started international operations on July 15, 2026. Its international operations began with an Air India Express flight to Abu Dhabi.

As more flights are shifted from CSMIA, NMIA is expected to play a larger role in handling Mumbai's international passenger traffic.

Airlines have already started moving some domestic operations. For example, Akasa Air has shifted its domestic operations from CSMIA Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.

Mumbai Airport passengers should check their terminal before travelling

The upcoming changes mean passengers should pay close attention to their airport and terminal information, particularly for flights booked for October 2026 and beyond.

Travellers should not automatically assume that a flight previously operating from Mumbai Airport will continue to use the same airport.

Passengers should:

• Check their airline's latest email and SMS notifications.
• Verify the airport code and terminal shown on their booking.
• Check the flight details again shortly before departure.
• Contact the airline if the airport or terminal information is unclear.
• Allow extra travel time if their flight is moved to Navi Mumbai.

This is particularly important because CSMIA and NMIA are separate airports. A passenger who arrives at the wrong airport could face significant delays in reaching the correct terminal.

What about Air India international flights?

There is currently limited clarity on which individual Air India international routes could be moved from CSMIA to NMIA as part of the October transition.

Passengers travelling on popular routes such as Mumbai-New York, Mumbai-Newark, Mumbai-London and Mumbai-Singapore should therefore rely on the latest information provided by Air India rather than assuming their airport will remain unchanged.

The redistribution is being coordinated with airlines, meaning individual routes and flight schedules may be assigned differently.

Mumbai airport operations explained

CSMIA's Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 together handle around 950 flight movements each day. Terminal 1 has an annual passenger-handling capacity of approximately 15 million, while Terminal 2 can handle around 40 million passengers annually.

Moving international traffic to NMIA and shifting some Terminal 1 operations to Terminal 2 are intended to create enough capacity for Mumbai's airport system during the redevelopment.

The changes will therefore be significant for both airlines and passengers, but the phased approach is designed to prevent a complete disruption of airport operations.

For passengers flying from Mumbai in the coming months, the most important step is simple: check the airport and terminal listed by the airline before leaving for the airport.