265 International Flights To Be Shifted
A major dispute is emerging between Mumbai airport authorities and airlines over the proposed relocation of international flights to the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd has asked airlines to shift 265 out of 770 weekly international departures from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai from October 25. The move is linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport.
The 265 flights represent around 33% of the international departure capacity currently available at Terminal 2.
Why Is Mumbai Airport Cutting International Capacity?
Terminal 1 is scheduled for phased redevelopment, with the first stage involving the demolition of its northern section from January 2027.
The affected section handles around 5 million passengers annually. To accommodate these passengers during redevelopment, some domestic operations from T1 will need to move to Terminal 2.
This means international capacity at T2 has to be reduced to create additional space for domestic flights.
Airlines Asked To Move To Navi Mumbai
Airport authorities have proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport as the alternative facility for affected international operations.
The shift is expected to be temporary while redevelopment work takes place at Mumbai airport. The new airport is also offering incentives for airlines, including waivers on landing charges for new international services and passenger vouchers intended to offset differences in airport charges.
However, airlines have raised concerns about whether the transition can be implemented smoothly.
IATA Opposes Forced Relocation
The International Air Transport Association has objected to what it describes as a forced relocation of airlines.
The global airline body has called for greater consultation with carriers and argued that airlines should have the flexibility to decide whether and how they move operations to Navi Mumbai.
Airlines have also raised questions about the new airport’s operational ecosystem, including ground handling, aircraft maintenance, catering, cargo facilities, regulatory approvals, crew arrangements and passenger connectivity.
IndiGo And Air India Face Major Changes
IndiGo is expected to face the largest reduction, with 74 weekly international departures affected.
Air India is set to lose 33 weekly international departures, while Akasa Air, Air India Express and SpiceJet will also see reductions.
Among international airlines, several carriers including Emirates and Etihad Airways will have their Mumbai international schedules reduced.
Airlines have been asked to identify the slots they are willing to temporarily surrender. If they do not respond within the deadline, the airport operator has indicated that it will determine which slots are withdrawn based on operational and capacity requirements.
Mumbai And Navi Mumbai Airports To Work Together
The airport operator has maintained that Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will function as complementary airports during the transition.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to absorb additional traffic as Mumbai airport undergoes redevelopment. The redesigned Terminal 1 is ultimately expected to increase its passenger-handling capacity significantly.
The challenge, however, is ensuring that airlines, airport operators and passengers can adapt to the new arrangement without major disruption.
Passengers Could Face Schedule Changes
For travellers, the transition could mean changes to departure airports, flight timings and route availability.
Passengers who normally use Mumbai airport may need to travel considerably farther to Navi Mumbai for certain international flights.
Airlines are also likely to adjust schedules based on aircraft availability, airport infrastructure and passenger demand.
The dispute is therefore not simply about moving flights between two airports. It highlights the wider challenge of reorganising Mumbai’s aviation network while one of the city’s major terminals undergoes a large-scale redevelopment.
Summary
Mumbai airport authorities want 265 of the 770 weekly international departures at Terminal 2 to shift to Navi Mumbai from October 25. The move is intended to create capacity for domestic flights displaced by the redevelopment of Terminal 1. Airlines have raised concerns over operational readiness, passenger connectivity and the proposed forced relocation, while IATA has called for greater consultation.
