The Indian government has intervened, instructing Adani Airports to defer its proposed plan to partially relocate international flight operations from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the newly commissioned Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), had previously informed airlines that 33 percent of their international flights would need to shift to NMIA or cease operations by October 25. This directive was part of a phased redevelopment strategy for the North Section of CSMIA's Terminal 1B, slated to begin in January 2027.
Ministry Intervenes After Airline Opposition
Airlines, however, voiced strong opposition to the imminent deadline, citing a range of operational challenges and logistical hurdles. In response, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha convened a crucial meeting in New Delhi. Representatives from airlines, AAHL, the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) were present to discuss the contentious issue.
During the nearly 90-minute discussion, the ministry proposed delaying the transition by several weeks. It urged both the airport operator and airlines to collaborate on developing a firm and coordinated plan for the eventual shift to NMIA. Subsequent discussions between AAHL and airlines are scheduled for October 13, with a follow-up meeting on October 20 to finalize the revised transition strategy.
Navi Mumbai Airport's Readiness and Future Plans
AAHL executives affirmed that NMIA is fully equipped to manage up to 5 million international passengers annually. They highlighted the new airport's advanced infrastructure, passenger facilities, and connectivity options, including in-flight catering, hotels, and lounges, as ready to support increased traffic.
The government's intervention suggests that the transition will adopt a phased approach rather than adhering to the initial rapid timeline. This move aims to alleviate pressure on CSMIA while allowing essential terminal redevelopment work to proceed efficiently. All stakeholders have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a seamless and coordinated transition that prioritizes passenger convenience and maintains operational efficiency across Mumbai's aviation infrastructure.