August 28, 2025: Mumbai’s aviation sector is preparing for a landmark change with the planned demolition of Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The decision, tied closely to the expansion of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), aims to balance the region’s rapidly rising passenger traffic.
Terminal 1 currently serves over 10 million domestic flyers annually. Authorities have clarified that the facility will not be shut down immediately. Instead, demolition will align with the commissioning of NMIA’s second terminal, which is expected to absorb a significant share of passengers and ease pressure on CSMIA. Officials explained that closing Terminal 1 prematurely could trigger severe congestion at the existing airport.
The NMIA project, now under active development, is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually in its first phase, with future expansion boosting capacity to 50 million. Only after this milestone is achieved will Terminal 1 be fully decommissioned and redeveloped.
Airport authorities have already scaled down parts of Terminal 1 owing to safety and structural concerns. The long-term plan envisions building a modern, sustainable terminal on the same site, complementing CSMIA’s international operations. However, the redevelopment process — requiring multiple clearances, reinstallation of systems, and large-scale construction — is expected to take several years.
The move reflects the urgency of expanding capacity in Mumbai, where passenger growth has consistently outpaced infrastructure. Experts believe that coordinated development between NMIA and CSMIA could serve as a national model, balancing traffic across two hubs while advancing eco-friendly airport design.
Though passengers may face temporary inconvenience during the transition, the eventual outcome promises smoother connectivity and a sustainable aviation ecosystem. The redevelopment of Terminal 1, alongside the rise of NMIA, is poised to reshape Mumbai’s aviation future and set new benchmarks in urban infrastructure.
Source: Urban Acres
