Mumbai Airport News: Airlines Reject Unilateral Flight Relocation
Mumbai Airport News
The disagreement between Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) and airlines over cutting capacity at Terminal 2 (T2) has returned. Airlines have raised fresh concerns after a meeting on 13 October that was meant to ease tensions.
At the 13 October meeting, MIAL assured airlines that the proposed changes linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1) would be handled through a collaborative and consultative process. However, airlines say that MIAL’s latest email, dated 16 October, goes against the spirit of that promise.
A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for 28 October. It was expected to focus on discussions about moving some flights. Airlines now feel that MIAL’s email is more focused on finalising transition plans for the Summer 2027 schedule, while their main concerns are still unanswered.
In its email, MIAL asked airlines to work with its network planning and commercial teams. The goal is to finalise the proposed shift of 5 million passengers per year of international traffic from T2. This plan is to be presented at the 28 October meeting.
The Airline Operators Committee (AOC) replied that airlines have not agreed to any transition plan. They have also not agreed to move international operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Airlines want clear answers on several points, including how much capacity each terminal has and how it is used, the T1 redevelopment plan, the planned capacity increase at T2, and other options instead of moving traffic. They say these questions must be answered before any new arrangement is discussed.
The AOC has asked MIAL to send a written reply by 5 pm on 21 October. It wants MIAL to confirm that no one-sided action on traffic or airline slots will be taken until proper talks are held and slot rules are followed. The airlines also said they “categorically reject” any unilateral reallocation, slot cut, cancellation or relocation of international operations. They pointed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s 2013 slot guidelines and the IATA Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines.
The 13 October meeting came after MIAL proposed ending 265 weekly international departure slots at T2 from 25 October. After the meeting, MIAL said the Winter 2026 schedule would run as planned and that historic slots would be honoured. It also said a joint working group would look at the longer-term transition.
The key question is whether airlines and the airport operator can find a solution that balances the needs of the T1 redevelopment with the airlines’ operations. The other possibility is that flight cuts or a move to Navi Mumbai become a decided outcome.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
