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Navi Mumbai beckons, or airlines may have to pause

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In short

The urgent reconstruction of Mumbai airport's 60-year-old Terminal 1 requires moving its current flights to Terminal 2, necessitating a temporary capacity reduction at the main international terminal. To absorb the displaced flights, the operator is expediting the opening phase of the new Navi Mumbai International Airport. Domestic carriers IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have already consented to relocate certain flights, while foreign airlines continue discussions. Carriers that choose to halt Mumbai operations temporarily are guaranteed the restoration of their historical operating rights once infrastructure upgrades conclude.

Key points

  • Foreign carriers must either shift their operations to Navi Mumbai or pause flights while…: Foreign carriers must either shift their operations to Navi Mumbai or pause flights while Terminal 1 undergoes reconstruction.
  • Airlines choosing to pause operations during construction are guaranteed the return of th…: Airlines choosing to pause operations during construction are guaranteed the return of their historical operating rights afterward.
  • Improved road connectivity and proposed metro links are expected to generate enough deman…: Improved road connectivity and proposed metro links are expected to generate enough demand to sustain both regional airports.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

New Delhi: International airlines operating from Mumbai airport have the choice to shift their operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) or temporarily suspend services in the Mumbai region during the redevelopment of the existing airport, AdAirports CEO Arun Bansal said, acknowledging that airlines are generally reluctant to relocate after operating from the same airport for decades.

Speaking at Delhi Aviation India 2026, Bansal said discussions were underway with international carriers regarding the proposed transition, while Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, had already agreed to arrangements for shifting certain operations.

"We are talking to all the international airlines," Bansal said.

"This is their choice. As I said, there are two choices. Some of the airlines might agree to move to Navi Mumbai. Some of the airlines might decide to suspend their operations temporarily," he added.

Bansal said Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, collectively account for around 60-65 per cent of international traffic at Mumbai airport and have already agreed to the proposed arrangements.

Emphasising the collaborative approach adopted by the airport operator,…

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