The Airline Operators Committee (AOC), Mumbai, has approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), requesting intervention in Mumbai International Airport Limited’s (MIAL) decision to temporarily relocate certain international Gulf airlines from Terminal 2 (T2) during the Northern Summer 2027 (NS27) schedule.
In a letter addressed to the MoCA Secretary, the committee has raised concerns over the airport operator’s plan to reduce annual passenger-handling capacity by five million passengers per annum (MPPA) in connection with the proposed redevelopment of Terminal 1. The communication, accessed by Times Now, seeks clarification on whether the ministry has approved the proposed capacity reduction.
Concerns Over Historical Slots
The AOC has questioned the decision to deny historical slots requested by some international carriers and urged the ministry to direct MIAL to reconsider its position. It has also sought the restoration of all historical slots allocated to the affected airlines for the NS27 season.
Reaffirming its support for airport infrastructure improvements, the committee highlighted the importance of consulting airlines before implementing changes that could disrupt established operations.
“The AOC Member Airlines fully support Mumbai Airport’s infrastructure development and the proposed Terminal 1 redevelopment. However, any decision that may affect the historical slots and established operations of Airlines should be taken in a transparent and consultative manner, in strict accordance with applicable MoCA slot guidelines and the IATA Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG),” the letter read.
Airlines Seek Regulatory Protection
The committee has maintained that infrastructure upgrades should not result in the withdrawal, denial or redistribution of historical airline slots. It has asked MoCA to ensure that carriers operating from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) receive protection under the ministry’s applicable regulations and the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines.
MIAL has informed certain Gulf airlines that the capacity reduction will take effect from the NS27 schedule because of the proposed Terminal 1 redevelopment. The affected carriers will temporarily move out of T2, with their historical slots expected to return after the terminal expansion is completed and additional capacity becomes available.
The dispute now places the focus on balancing airport modernisation with continuity in airline operations.
Source: Times Now
