Mumbai’s Terminal 1 to Partially Close for Redevelopment in 2026, Affecting Major Airlines
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is preparing for a significant transformation. Starting in the third quarter of FY26, Terminal 1 will be partially shut down for nearly three years as it undergoes redevelopment to increase its passenger capacity by 33%. This redevelopment is set to bring the terminal’s capacity up to 20 million passengers per year, which is a crucial upgrade for a city that has long seen heavy air traffic.
The redevelopment plan will significantly impact airlines that operate out of Terminal 1, such as IndiGo and Air India. These airlines, which rely heavily on the terminal for domestic operations, are currently in negotiations with airport authorities to address potential disruptions during this construction period. The goal is to minimise operational impacts, ensuring that both airlines and passengers face as little inconvenience as possible during this period of significant change. An official from Adani, which manages CSMIA, explained that the airport is working closely with airlines to come up with solutions. “We are working with airlines to reduce disruptions to operations,” the senior official said. The existing capacity at Terminal 1 is around 10 million passengers, with an additional 5 million capacity currently unused. However, in light of the growing demand, the airport is looking to optimise this underutilised space as part of the broader redevelopment plan.
Meanwhile, CSMIA’s Terminal 2, which has a planned capacity of 40 million passengers, will also see its capacity temporarily increased by an additional 5 million passengers to accommodate the added pressure from the closure of Terminal 1. For 2024, the airport handled a combined total of 54.8 million passengers across both terminals, and these changes are designed to keep operations smooth while the airport undergoes much-needed upgrades. Adding to the complexities, Navi Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 is slated to open in 2029, just months after the redevelopment of Mumbai’s Terminal 1 is completed. These two major terminal expansions in Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure are set to enhance the city’s connectivity, but the redevelopment work at Terminal 1 will temporarily disrupt operations for airlines, passengers, and the airport as a whole. This redevelopment effort is a critical step in increasing Mumbai’s airport capacity to meet growing demand, but it will undoubtedly require careful management and coordination to minimise inconvenience during the transition period.