Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) is facing strong protests from West Asian carriers over its decision to cut flight slots for the upcoming winter schedule. The abrupt move.
seen as an attempt to channel more traffic towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, has been sharply criticised by airlines who allege lack of consultation and bias in the process.At present, Mumbai airport, the second busiest in India, operates around 121 daily flights to and from West Asia, with Indian airlines commanding over 60 percent of the capacity. Fifteen West Asian airlines, led by major players like Emirates and Etihad Airways, account for 44 daily flights. The sudden announcement to cut slots without prior discussion has prompted the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) — representing both Indian and foreign carriers — to lodge a formal complaint with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. They have termed the decision “unilateral, unfair, and lacking transparency,” highlighting the deep operational and commercial impact such changes could inflict on connectivity and passenger convenience.
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Victor Denis Dsouza, Chairman of AOC Mumbai, noted in his letter to the Ministry that the absence of stakeholder engagement breached fundamental principles of transparency and equitable governance. Airlines fear that the move will not only compromise international connectivity but also offer selective advantage to certain carriers, making the playing field uneven. Industry insiders further warned that splitting operations between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports could disrupt passenger flows, cargo logistics, and crucial connecting flights, putting carriers operating from Mumbai at a strategic disadvantage.
The current push is the second signal aimed at encouraging airlines to shift operations to Navi Mumbai. Earlier this month, MIAL directed carriers to suspend freighter operations from August, citing taxiway construction at the secondary runway, which many in the aviation sector interpreted as a calculated nudge towards the new facility. Navi Mumbai airport authorities followed this up swiftly, offering airlines “first mover” advantages and positioning the upcoming airport as a future logistics and passenger hub. However, airlines have resisted the move, citing logistical difficulties, cost burdens, and risks to network viability.
While MIAL, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways remained unavailable for comment at press time, a senior airline executive underscored the risks, arguing that for global airlines dependent on interline traffic and hub operations, being compelled to shift could significantly erode competitiveness. The executive pointed out that a fractured hub model could increase costs and carbon footprints, at odds with India’s vision of building sustainable and connected cities.The conflict places a spotlight on the pressing need for collaborative planning in India’s aviation sector, especially as new infrastructure projects like Navi Mumbai airport aim to relieve congestion while promoting eco-friendly and integrated urban development. As the debate unfolds, the government’s response could set a precedent for managing aviation growth in a manner that balances business viability, environmental stewardship, and passenger convenience.
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