The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns over Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) potentially forcing airlines to shift operations to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI). With NMI expected to begin operations in June 2025, IATA emphasises that airlines should not be compelled to move traffic to facilitate the new airport’s launch.
This debate emerges as Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) prepares to demolish Terminal 1 in October 2025 for expansion. Terminal 2, which accommodates 45 million passengers annually, will handle all operations during the reconstruction period. Terminal 1’s reconstruction is expected to conclude by September 2028, increasing its capacity to 20 million passengers per year.
During a stakeholder discussion organised by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), IATA’s India country director, Amitabh Khosla, urged minimal disruption for airlines. An Air India executive also sought clarification on CSMIA’s transition plans and their impact on operations. Meanwhile, an AAHL representative confirmed ongoing discussions with airlines to chart a detailed transition roadmap.
Adding to the complexity, Mumbai Airport has proposed increasing User Development Fees (UDF) for domestic passengers to INR 325 and for international passengers to INR 650, up from INR 187. While landing and parking fees are set to decrease by 35%, these changes may affect airline operations and passenger costs in the coming years.