Mumbai Airport News: International Flight Shift to Navi Mumbai Deferred by Few Weeks
Mumbai Airport News
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the operator of Mumbai airport, has told airlines that its plan to rationalise international flights has been put off by a few weeks. The plan included partially shifting operations to Navi Mumbai airport. The news comes from sources, as reported by PTI.
Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports are both part of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). The company had asked airlines to cut 33 per cent of their international flights to Navi Mumbai airport or discontinue them by October 25. The move was meant to rationalise traffic between the two airports.
Airlines did not agree with the plan and raised their objections. Because of this opposition, the civil aviation ministry called a meeting of all stakeholders on October 6 to discuss the issue. At that meeting, the ministry suggested delaying the implementation of the plan.
After the meeting, MIAL informed airlines that it has decided to defer the traffic rationalisation plan by a few weeks. According to sources, MIAL cited an assurance that the industry would work towards a solution to support the redevelopment programme. This means the October 25 deadline may no longer apply, though a new date has not been shared.
For now, airlines get more time to plan their schedules and continue operating as they do at present. Passengers who have booked international flights from Mumbai are unlikely to see sudden changes in the near term. However, the plan has only been deferred, not cancelled. A fresh timeline could be announced after further talks between the airport operator, airlines and the ministry.
The main question is whether the airlines and the airport operator can agree on a solution that supports the redevelopment programme. Until then, the shift of some international flights to Navi Mumbai remains on hold. Travellers should keep checking with their airlines for any updates on schedules and the airport used for their flights.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
