Aviation stakeholders in Mumbai have raised alarm over an impending ban on private jet parking at the city’s main airport, citing a lack of alternative space and ongoing redevelopment delays. With the July 31 deadline looming, business aviation operators have urged the civil aviation ministry to intervene, arguing the decision could cripple general aviation access in the financial capital and is misaligned with stakeholder-centric planning norms.
The core of the dispute lies in an operational disconnect between CSMIA and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), both of which are promoted by the same private group but function as distinct entities. While assurances were given that displaced aircraft would be accommodated at NMIA, that airport is yet to commence operations or confirm capacity for business aviation use.Industry representatives have flagged the unilateral nature of the eviction notice, stating that such measures violate equitable stakeholder engagement practices. In a recent communication addressed to the central aviation ministry, business aviation operators called for immediate relief, requesting a suspension of permit cancellations until adequate parking space is secured and consultations are held.
The pushback follows a master redevelopment plan submitted in 2024 for CSMIA, which includes expanding aircraft parking near key runways. However, that plan is still under review, and experts argue it cannot yet serve as the basis for enforcing such evictions. Aviation experts and legal voices have also questioned the regulatory legitimacy of the cancellation, stressing that any such move requires oversight from the Airports Authority of India and designated eviction officers, not just airport operators acting independently.
With the city’s airspace already congested and business aviation contributing to regional economic mobility, the lack of interim solutions is raising concerns about broader policy disconnects. As pressure mounts, stakeholders have called for urgent regulatory intervention to preserve operational continuity and uphold fair aviation governance in Mumbai’s evolving airport infrastructure landscape.
