The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the Civil Aviation Ministry’s decision to postpone the proposed transfer of some international flights from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport, stressing the need for transparent capacity assessments and consultations with affected airlines.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which operates both airports, had proposed that airlines reduce their international services from Mumbai by 33 per cent from October 25. The move is connected to the redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1) at Mumbai airport, scheduled to begin in January 2027. Airlines had opposed the proposed reduction.
Following discussions with stakeholders, the ministry recommended deferring the transition plan until further consultations take place. Representatives of AAHL and the airlines are scheduled to meet on October 13 to examine the proposal.
IATA Head of Corporate Communications Albert Tjoeng said the revised arrangement should be developed jointly by all stakeholders, including Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) and airlines operating from the airport. Discussions, he said, should establish actual capacity needs, review the justification for proposed reductions and explore alternatives that limit disruption to flight operations.
The association emphasised that significant changes to airport capacity must be supported by a clear assessment of demand and available capacity, adequate consultation and sufficient preparation time. It said these principles align with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Slot Allocation Guidelines and the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines.
Mumbai airport currently operates domestic services from T1 and international flights from Terminal 2 (T2). Redevelopment work will require operational adjustments involving T2 and Navi Mumbai airport. MIAL had informed 46 airlines that international departure slots would need to fall by 33 per cent from 11.59 pm on October 25, coinciding with the winter schedule. The airport currently handles 770 weekly international flights, of which 265 services would be temporarily discontinued under the proposal.
IATA supports the modernisation of Mumbai airport and the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport but wants the transition to preserve passenger convenience and international connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The T1 redevelopment is expected to increase annual capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers, a rise of approximately 33 per cent. The October 13 meeting will help determine the revised transition arrangements.
Source: Prop News Time
