Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has assured airlines that the redevelopment of the ageing Terminal 1 (T1) will be planned to minimise operational disruptions, with existing flight slots remaining unchanged throughout the winter schedule.
According to a statement released by the airport operator, Jeet Adani and Arun Bansal met representatives of the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) on Tuesday to discuss the proposed redevelopment and its implications for airport operations.
During the meeting, airline representatives were assured that their allocated slots would not be altered during the winter schedule. The discussions focused on coordinating the infrastructure upgrade while ensuring continuity of airline services.
Joint Working Group to Finalise Redevelopment Plan
MIAL said a joint working group would be established to prepare a detailed implementation strategy for the Terminal 1 redevelopment over the next two weeks. The initiative is intended to align construction requirements with airlines’ operational needs.
Airlines have reportedly agreed to cooperate with the redevelopment process, with traffic-balancing measures expected to begin during the summer schedule. This approach would allow the airport operator and airlines to coordinate capacity and operational adjustments as the project progresses.
Airlines Offered Support for Navi Mumbai Airport Shift
MIAL has also offered assistance to airlines considering shifting some of their operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The move could help carriers evaluate alternative operational arrangements while redevelopment work is undertaken at the existing airport.
The meeting included discussions between airport officials and the network planning and slot management teams of individual airlines. Both sides agreed to convene again on October 28 to review progress and address outstanding concerns.
In the interim, MIAL and airline representatives will continue consultations to work through operational requirements and establish the next steps for implementation.
Focus on Infrastructure Modernisation
MIAL described the meeting as constructive, stating that both parties were committed to improving Mumbai Airport’s infrastructure. The operator said the common objective was to upgrade the facility to meet the standards expected by Mumbai’s residents.
The redevelopment will require sustained coordination between the airport operator and airlines to balance construction requirements with flight operations. While the winter schedule is expected to remain unaffected, traffic-balancing arrangements are planned for the summer schedule as preparations move forward.
Source: Bharat Express
