IndiGo and Air India Back Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 Redevelopment, Plan Partial Shift to Navi Mumbai
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
MUMBAI: IndiGo and Air India have agreed to shift part of their flight operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), paving the way for the phased redevelopment and modernisation of Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
The proposed move follows nearly 18 months of consultations between the airport operator and airlines. The initiative aims to create sufficient operational space for upgrading the existing terminal while maintaining continuity in air travel and strengthening Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure.
Around 5 Million Passengers’ Traffic Planned for Transfer
According to the briefing note, the first phase of the plan envisages shifting operations equivalent to approximately 5 million passengers to Navi Mumbai. Around 3 million passengers, representing nearly 60% of the first-phase relocation target, are expected to be covered in the initial stage.
The proposed transfer would provide the necessary room for redevelopment work at CSMIA’s Terminal 1. The planned improvements include enhanced safety measures, upgraded passenger facilities, modernised infrastructure and increased passenger-handling capacity.
The airport operator has also indicated that the existing slots of airlines temporarily shifting selected operations will be restored after the redevelopment is completed.
Terminal 1 Capacity to Rise by 33%
The redevelopment is expected to increase Terminal 1’s annual passenger-handling capacity from 15 million to 20 million, representing an increase of approximately 33%.
The upgraded terminal is intended to offer improved passenger-processing facilities, advanced digital systems and more efficient operational arrangements. These enhancements could help accommodate rising air traffic, improve the passenger experience and provide airlines with greater opportunities for future growth.
The modernisation initiative is also expected to preserve Mumbai’s aviation heritage while adapting the airport to changing passenger requirements and international aviation standards.
Improved Connectivity to Navi Mumbai Airport
Connectivity is expected to play a significant role in the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport. According to the briefing note, three bridges constructed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO)—SBR-9, BR-4 and BR-5—across Panvel Creek and the Gadhi River are set to improve access to the airport.
These links are expected to strengthen connections with Atal Setu, Ulwe Coastal Road, Amra Marg and National Highway 4B, complementing the existing road network.
NMIA’s planned infrastructure includes modern passenger-processing systems, Digi Yatra facilities, automated baggage handling and integrated digital platforms. Dedicated cargo facilities, specialised cold-chain infrastructure, in-flight catering services and proximity to industrial and port facilities are also highlighted as potential strengths.
The airport’s Terminal 1 is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, with future expansion planned to increase capacity to 90 million.
Mumbai’s Dual-Airport Network Could Strengthen Global Connectivity
The development of Navi Mumbai International Airport alongside CSMIA could help Mumbai evolve into a more integrated dual-airport aviation gateway.
Distributing passenger traffic between the two airports could ease capacity pressures, improve operational efficiency and create additional scope for domestic and international connectivity.
As NMIA expands its operations and builds an established track record, the new airport could also attract wider participation from international airlines. This may offer passengers more travel options and improve connections between domestic and international destinations.
The dual-airport model could support Mumbai’s long-term economic development while strengthening India’s ambitions to become a major international aviation hub.
Majority of Passenger Traffic to Remain at Mumbai Airport
The briefing note states that only around 9% of CSMIA’s annual passenger traffic of 55 million is expected to be temporarily shifted as part of the Terminal 1 redevelopment programme. Approximately 91% of passenger traffic is expected to continue operating from Mumbai Airport.
The proposed arrangement is intended to balance infrastructure modernisation with the need to maintain regular flight operations. By temporarily relocating selected services, the airport operator aims to undertake essential redevelopment work while continuing to serve the majority of passengers at the existing facility.
A Significant Step for Mumbai’s Aviation Future
The planned cooperation between IndiGo, Air India and the airport operator marks an important step towards coordinating operations across Mumbai’s two international airports.
If implemented as planned, the initiative could help modernise ageing infrastructure, expand passenger-handling capacity and improve the overall efficiency of Mumbai’s aviation network.
However, the briefing note does not specify a final transfer date or a detailed schedule of affected flights. Passengers should therefore rely on official announcements from their airlines and the airport authorities for confirmed operational changes.
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