In a significant development concerning Mumbai’s aviation landscape, Adani Group has unveiled plans to demolish Terminal 1 (T1) of the city’s airport, paving the way for a new phase of infrastructure.
This decision comes on the heels of safety concerns and structural challenges at T1, particularly as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares to commence operations in March 2025. Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports, shared insights with the Times Of India, affirming that the demolition of T1 is scheduled to occur next year, with a new terminal slated to replace it approximately three years after construction commencement. Moreover, Adani Group aims to streamline passenger movement by connecting T2 and the proposed new T1 through an underground tunnel, enhancing overall airport accessibility and convenience.
The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, with netizens expressing varied sentiments regarding their experiences at T1. While some users welcomed the prospect of a revamped terminal, citing existing structural inadequacies, others reminisced fondly about their journeys through T1 and voiced concerns over potential inconveniences. Structural challenges at T1 have necessitated collaborative efforts between airport authorities and airlines to develop a viable successor. The timing of T1’s reconstruction aligns strategically with the operational commencement of NMIA, ensuring minimal disruptions to passenger capacity and facilitating a seamless transition for flyers.
With T1’s impending demolition, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is poised to undergo significant changes in passenger handling dynamics. Adani Airports plans to bolster T2’s capacity to offset the loss of T1, thereby accommodating the anticipated increase in passenger traffic. Additionally, the inauguration of NMIA is expected to alleviate some of the load previously managed by T1, further optimising passenger distribution across the airport network. As Mumbai Airport embarks on this transformative journey, details regarding the new T1, including cost, capacity, and design, remain under deliberation. Nonetheless, this strategic overhaul underscores the commitment to modernising aviation infrastructure and enhancing passenger experiences in India’s commercial capital.
