In a significant operational shift, nearly one-third of Mumbai's international passenger capacity - approximately 5 million passengers per annum - will be relocated to Navi Mumbai International Airport from October 1, according to top airline sources briefed on the matter. This major overhaul comes as Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) prepares for the redevelopment of its nearly 80-year-old Terminal 1, which currently handles around 5 million passengers per month (mppa). The traffic redistribution is part of MIAL's comprehensive redevelopment plan that will see partial demolition of the North Section of Terminal 1-B beginning January 15, 2027.
The Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) will commence demolition of the North Section of Terminal 1-B from January 15, 2027, according to a letter to the civil aviation ministry. As reported by PTI, this partial demolition is part of the redevelopment plan for the nearly 80-year-old Terminal 1, which currently handles around 5 million passengers per month (mppa). MIAL's Chief Airport Officer Vishnu Mohan Jha stated that Phase 1 will be limited to just the North Section to ensure minimal impact on airline operations and passenger convenience. The airport operator has provided around three-and-a-half months transition assistance to airlines before commencing the demolition.
Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport currently has a capacity of over 50 million passengers and handles over 950 flight movements daily. As reported by PTI, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have capacities to handle around 15 million passengers and 40 million passengers, respectively. The demolition will affect the North Section of Terminal 1-B, which currently caters to approximately 5 million passengers per month.
MIAL has engaged with domestic and international airlines regarding the partial movement of flights from T2 to Navi Mumbai International Airport and from Mumbai airport's T1 to T2. According to the letter dated August 13, the airport operator has requested the ministry to consider setting up a Joint Transition Group (JTG), chaired by the civil aviation secretary, to ensure effective coordination with key stakeholders and minimal inconvenience to passengers. Both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports are owned by the Adani Group. The transition strategy includes at least one-third of all air traffic movements at T1 being moved to T2 from October 25, with Akasa Air relocating its domestic operations from T1 to T2 from August 1.
