International airlines operating from Mumbai are showing reluctance to move their services to Navi Mumbai International Airport, despite plans to redevelop the existing airport’s Terminal 1. Adani Airports CEO Arun Bansal acknowledged that convincing foreign carriers to relocate operations remains a challenge, given their long-standing presence in Mumbai.
Speaking at Aviation India 2026 in Delhi, Bansal said several international airlines were hesitant to shift after operating from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for 20 to 40 years. Discussions with these carriers are ongoing to finalise the transition arrangements.
In contrast, domestic airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, have already agreed to transfer some of their operations to the upcoming airport.
Bansal indicated that one or two international carriers might prefer temporarily suspending their services in the Mumbai region rather than relocating. However, he expects such decisions to have a limited impact on overall passenger traffic.
International airlines have been advised to consider transferring selected routes to Navi Mumbai on a destination-wise basis while Terminal 1 undergoes reconstruction.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd is required to shift approximately five million passengers annually from the existing airport. The relocation process is scheduled to begin on March 28, 2027, coinciding with the International Air Transport Association’s summer schedule.
The transition will cover flights serving 14 international destinations, including Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat and Riyadh.
Navi Mumbai International Airport, which began commercial operations in December 2025, has an initial annual passenger-handling capacity of 20 million, including five million international passengers.
The airport operator had asked airlines to submit their transition plans by November 3. However, several foreign carriers have requested additional time, seeking extensions until October 2027.
The reluctance of international airlines presents a challenge for the planned transfer of operations as Mumbai prepares for a major transformation of its aviation infrastructure.
Source: Swarajya
