Mumbai Airport News: MIAL Finalises Slots for 38 Foreign Airlines Ahead of T1 Redevelopment
Mumbai Airport News
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has finalised slot allocations for 38 out of 50 international airlines for the Summer 2027 operational schedule. The slot realignment is a crucial step as the airport operator, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), prepares to redevelop and expand Terminal 1 (T1).
Despite the operational changes, MIAL’s assessment indicates that approximately 91% of CSMIA’s existing traffic capacity will remain completely unaffected. Both CSMIA and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are managed under Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL).
Out of the 50 foreign carriers operating from Mumbai, 12 airlines—which handle roughly 16 daily departures to 14 international destinations—have not been allocated slots at CSMIA for the schedule beginning late March 2027. These airlines are expected to transition their affected operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
MIAL initially planned to start shifting select international flights in October 2026. However, following concerns from several international carriers regarding operational readiness and schedule adjustments, the transition was deferred to March 2027. MIAL has reassured airlines that their historical slot rights at CSMIA will be preserved throughout the temporary relocation period.
In addition to international carriers, domestic airlines including IndiGo, the Air India Group, and Akasa Air previously announced plans to move services connecting 14 specific destinations to NMIA. Together, the combined shift of domestic and international flights is projected to transfer nearly 5 million passengers annually from CSMIA to the new Navi Mumbai airport.
The primary driver behind this mass transition is the complete overhaul of Terminal 1. First commissioned in 1964, T1 currently has a handling capacity of 15 million passengers annually. The redevelopment project aims to upgrade and expand its capacity to 20 million passengers per year.
| Milestone | Target Date |
| Construction Begins | January 2027 |
| Flight Shift Starts | Late March 2027 |
| Terminal 1 Demolition | April 2027 |
| Expanded T1 Operational | March 2029 |
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
