Mumbai Airport to Reduce International Flights as Terminal 1 Closes for Redevelopment

Starting October 25, 2026, Mumbai Airport will see a significant reduction in its international flight schedule. This change is due to the upcoming closure of Terminal 1 for extensive redevelopment. The airport plans to cut 265 weekly international departures, which represents about 33% of the current international departure slots at Terminal 2. This move will affect 46 airlines operating out of the airport.

The redevelopment of Terminal 1 is a long-planned project aimed at addressing safety and infrastructure concerns. While the closure had been postponed before, the airport operator, Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL), states that the phased demolition and redevelopment can no longer be delayed. The new Terminal 1 is expected to be under construction through 2029-2030.

Impact on Airlines and Flight Schedules

The reduction in international departures means airlines face difficult decisions about their operations in Mumbai. While some flights may be transferred to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, this is not a guaranteed outcome for all services. Airlines have a strict deadline of October 6, 2026, to inform the airport operator which flight slots they are willing to surrender. If airlines miss this deadline, the airport operator may assign slots based on operational needs.

The space at Terminal 2, where international departures are being consolidated, is being prioritized for domestic services that will be displaced from Terminal 1. This prioritization is the primary reason for reducing international capacity. Airlines that do not move their services to Navi Mumbai may choose to suspend them temporarily or permanently.

Navigating Changes for Passengers

For travelers, these changes could mean altered flight schedules, different departure times, or even a change in the departure airport. Passengers are strongly advised to confirm their flight details, including the departure airport and exact timing, directly with their airline before traveling. The decision by airlines to cancel services or shift them to other cities could also lead to fewer available seats from Mumbai. This potential decrease in supply, especially during peak travel seasons like the festive and winter periods, might drive up airfares.

The airport operator is attempting to incentivize airlines to consider the Navi Mumbai International Airport by offering a 100% waiver on landing fees. However, this offer does not obligate airlines to relocate their flights. The situation highlights a complex balancing act between airport infrastructure upgrades and maintaining robust air connectivity.

Potential Challenges of Splitting Operations

Some airlines, like Air France-KLM, have expressed concerns that splitting operations between Mumbai’s existing airport and the new Navi Mumbai airport would not be practical. Industry groups have also warned that dividing services could negatively impact connectivity and increase travel costs for passengers. Travelers might face longer ground transfers and higher expenses for taxis if their flights are moved to the Navi Mumbai airport. The overall impact on the travel experience could involve more complex logistics and potentially higher costs for journeys originating in Mumbai.

The airport operator has indicated that the slot rights at Mumbai Airport are expected to be returned once the new Terminal 1 is completed. However, the immediate focus is on managing the transition and the October 25th schedule changes. Airlines and passengers alike will need to stay informed as these decisions unfold over the coming weeks.

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