Mumbai airport’s passenger-handling capacity could drop by 27% from October 2027 if Terminal 1 shuts completely for redevelopment, according to a report citing an airport presentation to airlines. The change could reduce the airport’s annual capacity from around 55 million passengers to 40 million, with much of the displaced traffic expected to shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The plan differs from earlier descriptions of a phased redevelopment that would allow parts of Terminal 1 to remain operational during construction.
Terminal 1 Could Close Completely
Terminal 1 currently handles around 15 million passengers annually. Under the plan described in the report, demolition would take place in stages, but reconstruction would begin only after the entire terminal had been demolished.
The report says the full demolition is expected by March 2028, with Terminal 1 remaining out of service during reconstruction. The replacement terminal is expected to handle 20 million passengers annually when completed, targeted for 2030.
Capacity Could Fall to 40 Million Passengers
Mumbai’s two existing terminals handle around 55 million passengers a year. With Terminal 1 closed, Terminal 2 would be the only operational terminal at the airport, with a capacity of about 40 million passengers annually.
Terminal 2’s capacity is expected to increase to 45 million by March 2029 following the completion of its North-West Pier. Until then, the temporary reduction could leave the airport struggling to accommodate growing passenger demand.
Navi Mumbai Airport to Take Some Displaced Traffic
Airport operator Adani Airport Holdings has said that around five million passengers a year would initially be shifted from Mumbai airport as redevelopment begins. The operator has said this would leave about 91% of current traffic unaffected during the initial phase.
However, the report says the eventual full closure of Terminal 1 could displace 15 million domestic passengers annually. Many would need to use Navi Mumbai International Airport, which currently has a declared annual capacity of 20 million passengers.
Operator and Airlines Have Different Views
The airport operator has described the redevelopment as phased and necessary to address safety concerns at the ageing terminal. It has also said that Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports will function as complementary facilities for the region.
Airlines have raised concerns about the scale and timing of flight transfers, including the effect on schedules and passenger journeys. The redevelopment timeline and traffic transition arrangements remain important issues for airlines and travellers.
The final impact will depend on how the airport operator, airlines and authorities coordinate the transfer of flights, and whether the redevelopment and associated capacity expansions meet their planned deadlines.
