Mumbai airport defers plan to shift 33% international operations from T2 amid capacity concerns

The government has deferred Mumbai airport’s proposal to discontinue around 33% of international operations from Terminal 2 (T2), offering temporary relief to airlines already navigating capacity and operational challenges, sources told CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday, October 6.

The decision comes as Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure undergoes a major restructuring ahead of the redevelopment of the airport’s ageing Terminal 1 infrastructure.

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL)-operated Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) had earlier announced that it would begin the phased redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B from January 2027. The redevelopment has been proposed on safety grounds, with the terminal’s ageing infrastructure requiring significant repairs.

Mumbai Airport handles around 55 million passengers a year. Of these, approximately 5 million passengers, or about 9%, are expected to be temporarily affected by the redevelopment.

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Airlines will have the option of temporarily shifting some operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport during the redevelopment. AAHL has said it will provide support to airlines during the transition.

However, the latest government decision to defer the proposed reduction in international operations at T2 could ease immediate pressure on airlines, particularly as Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports adjust to changing traffic patterns and capacity requirements.

AAHL CEO Arun Bansal had earlier said the redevelopment will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption, with only the North Section of Terminal 1B being demolished in the first phase. The section accounts for around one-third of T1’s capacity.

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He also clarified that the proposed shift of traffic to Navi Mumbai would be temporary and would not amount to a permanent transfer of Mumbai Airport operations.

Terminal 1 has been a safety concern for several years, with temporary measures being used to keep operations running while alternative capacity was developed. AAHL said the risks associated with continued operations had become more significant following a fire at the terminal in April.

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