July 12, 2025: Business aviation stakeholders in Mumbai have voiced strong objections to an impending ban on private jet parking at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), raising concerns over the absence of alternative facilities and delays in infrastructure redevelopment. With the July 31 eviction deadline fast approaching, aviation operators have appealed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for intervention, warning that the move could severely impact general aviation access in India’s financial hub.
The crux of the issue lies in a coordination gap between CSMIA and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), both promoted by the same private conglomerate but operating independently. While displaced aircraft were expected to be accommodated at NMIA, that facility is not yet operational and has not confirmed its readiness to host business aviation services.
Industry representatives have criticized the eviction notice as a unilateral action that sidesteps the principles of stakeholder engagement. In a recent communication to the civil aviation ministry, operators urged a suspension of permit cancellations until suitable parking arrangements are made and proper consultations are conducted.
The dispute follows CSMIA’s 2024 master redevelopment proposal, which includes additional aircraft parking near runways. However, that plan remains under review, and experts argue it does not justify immediate evictions. Legal and aviation experts have also questioned the procedural legitimacy of the eviction, emphasizing that such action requires oversight by the Airports Authority of India and formal eviction authorities, not just directives from private airport operators.
With Mumbai’s airspace already facing congestion and business aviation contributing significantly to regional connectivity and economic mobility, the lack of interim solutions has sparked broader concerns. Stakeholders are now urging regulatory bodies to act swiftly to ensure fair governance, protect operational continuity, and align future aviation plans with transparent and inclusive decision-making.
Source: Urban Acres
