India Orders Airlines to Plan Shift to Navi Mumbai Airport

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered domestic airlines and airport operators to provide concrete transition plans for shifting operations to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. This strategic move is designed to facilitate the phased redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

During a recent coordination meeting, the Civil Aviation Secretary suggested delaying the transition by several weeks to ensure the smooth migration of roughly 5 million annual international passengers. Adani Airport Holdings Limited presented its preparedness plans, stating that infrastructure, road connectivity, and passenger facilities are ready for the shift.

Domestic carriers, including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air, reported they have been engaged in discussions regarding the transition for 18 months. The Ministry has scheduled follow-up consultation meetings for October 13 and October 20 to finalize the operational roadmap.