October 9, 2025: The demolition of Terminal 1 at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will only take place once the second terminal (T2) at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) becomes operational in 2029. The decision ensures a smooth, phased transition of air traffic between the two major aviation hubs.
Commercial operations at the new Navi Mumbai airport are scheduled to commence by mid-December, following its inauguration on October 8. Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air will begin domestic services from the first day, while international airlines are expected to join gradually once night operations are permitted. The airport, which recently received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will be handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) after inauguration for security clearance procedures before final approval by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd — a joint venture between Adani Group, which holds a 74% stake, and CIDCO, the Maharashtra government’s land development agency — the airport has been built in multiple phases.
In its initial phase, NMIA will operate flights between 8 am and 8 pm, with facilities ready to handle international operations from day one. The project aims to alleviate congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport, which has been operating beyond capacity.
The long-term transition plan ties the demolition of CSMIA’s Terminal 1 to the completion of Navi Mumbai’s T2, ensuring uninterrupted services and balanced traffic distribution across both airports. Once fully functional, NMIA is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and reinforce Mumbai’s position as India’s leading aviation hub.
Source: CNBCTV 18
