Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) is preparing to invest around Rs 2,000 crore in airside infrastructure over the coming years to increase the airport’s peak-hour handling capacity from about 46 to as many as 55 aircraft movements per hour.
The proposed improvements are aimed at streamlining aircraft movement, reducing delays and improving operational efficiency at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which handles high-intensity runway operations.
Spread across nearly 1,900 acres, the airport operates two intersecting runways, 09/27 and 14/32. Since both runways cross each other, simultaneous take-offs and landings are not possible. Officials cited by PTI said the airport currently maintains an interval of roughly 65 seconds between aircraft movements.
MIAL, which operates the airport under Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), plans to raise peak capacity to around 52-55 aircraft movements through a combination of new taxiways, faster aircraft movement and expanded apron infrastructure.
Among the key projects is an eastern parallel taxiway between E5 and E7 alongside runway 14/32. Taxiway M will also be extended, including a bridge over the Mithi River, to improve aircraft sequencing and minimise departure delays.
Sections of the western parallel taxiway, W/W1, are planned for development to reduce runway occupancy time and aircraft backtracking. Other proposals include extending and realigning taxiway N, adding new taxiway links and rapid-exit taxiways, and expanding apron areas serving Terminals 1 and 2, cargo facilities and general aviation zones.
MIAL also plans to upgrade its Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), increase multilateration coverage and strengthen airport surveillance technology.
The airport handled 55.3 million passengers during 2025-26, comprising 38.9 million domestic and 16.4 million international travellers.
The airside expansion will coincide with the redevelopment of Terminal 1. MIAL plans to demolish the existing terminal, with redevelopment scheduled to begin in January 2027 and the new facility expected to be commissioned during 2029-30.
Meanwhile, some international passenger and cargo operations are expected to temporarily shift to Navi Mumbai airport. The International Air Transport Association has sought a coordinated transition framework, particularly to protect airlines’ established slot entitlements.
MIAL said the shift would be temporary and that historic slot rights would be honoured once the redeveloped Terminal 1 becomes operational.
Source: Economic Times
