Mumbai’s air travel sector is set for a massive transformation as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) gears up for its grand opening in June 2025. With major shifts in flight operations, terminal upgrades, and regulatory policies, the city’s aviation landscape is on the verge of a significant overhaul.
As NMIA prepares to become operational, airlines are strategising flight redistributions between the new airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Leading domestic carriers are planning to split their operations between the two airports to enhance connectivity and efficiency. Meanwhile, several international airlines may opt for a single-hub model, focusing operations at either NMIA or CSMIA. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns about potential forced traffic redirection, urging regulatory bodies to ensure fair competition. One of the most notable infrastructure changes accompanying NMIA’s launch is the proposed demolition of Terminal 1 at CSMIA. This terminal, which accommodates nearly 15 million passengers annually, is expected to be phased out to make way for expansion plans. Authorities are evaluating whether the demolition should happen in stages or all at once. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is set for a capacity boost from 40 million to 45 million passengers per year by mid-2026 to accommodate the transition. Airlines are closely monitoring these developments to understand how the changes will impact passenger movement and flight schedules.
Additionally, aviation authorities are considering lifting flight movement restrictions at CSMIA. Currently, the airport operates 42 flights per hour during off-peak hours and 44 flights during peak times. With necessary upgrades, the airport could handle 54-55 flights per hour, bringing it in line with international hubs like Gatwick Airport, the world’s busiest single-runway airport. Increasing capacity is expected to improve turnaround times and reduce congestion. Financial aspects of Mumbai’s airport operations are also under review. A proposed revision in airport tariffs suggests increasing User Development Fees (UDF) to ₹325 for domestic passengers and raising the international UDF from ₹187 to ₹650. However, to support airlines, the proposal also includes a 35% reduction in parking and landing charges. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) is evaluating the plan and will take a final call after consultations, with a decision expected in April 2025.
As Mumbai’s aviation sector navigates these sweeping changes, the launch of NMIA marks a crucial step toward improving infrastructure and connectivity. The coming months will be instrumental in determining how efficiently these transitions are managed, ensuring minimal disruption for airlines and passengers alike.
