Adani-operated Mumbai airport is facing opposition from airlines over a proposal to temporarily reduce international departures by 33% to facilitate the redevelopment of an ageing section of Terminal 1B. The disagreement centres on passenger management, flight schedules and the capacity available at Mumbai’s two airports during construction.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), operated by Adani Airport Holdings, plans to begin rebuilding the northern section of Terminal 1B in January 2027. The operator has cited growing safety concerns surrounding the approximately 60-year-old structure, particularly after a fire at Terminal 1 in April.
MIAL estimates that around five million passengers could be affected by the redevelopment, against annual airport traffic of approximately 55 million. It proposes accommodating these travellers at Terminal 2, requiring a corresponding temporary reduction in traffic. Emails reviewed by Reuters indicate that the operator has proposed cutting international departure slots by 33%.
The reconstructed terminal is expected to handle 20 million passengers annually, up from its current capacity of 15 million. MIAL has stated that airlines’ historic slots will be restored once the project is completed.
However, the Airline Operators Committee of Mumbai has opposed the proposal, arguing that winter schedules were approved in June and that adequate consultation did not take place. In a letter dated October 2, the committee warned that short-notice cuts could disrupt flight operations, passenger bookings and international connectivity.
MIAL maintains that discussions about the terminal’s future have been underway since 2020. The committee has also requested independent structural-safety reports, while the airport operator says regulators examined the audit findings and that extracts were made public. An Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India consultation paper from March 2025 had referred to structural issues, including cracks and corrosion.
As an alternative, Adani has suggested shifting services to Navi Mumbai International Airport, approximately 36 kilometres away. Incentives include a 100% landing-fee discount for new international flights and passenger vouchers to offset differences in user development fees. Airlines, however, have not agreed to any compulsory transfer.
Following an October 6 meeting chaired by the civil aviation secretary, MIAL postponed the planned reductions due to begin October 25. The operator subsequently reiterated the need for cuts and sought a collective proposal from airlines. The outcome will depend on whether both sides can agree on a workable plan that protects passenger connectivity while enabling the redevelopment.
Source: Prop News Time
