MUMBAI- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has asked India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to intervene over a proposed shift of around one-third of international passenger and cargo operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) from October 1.
IATA said airlines were not adequately consulted before Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) communicated the transition plan.
The association said the proposed Mumbai airport flight shift has created operational, commercial and regulatory concerns for international carriers.
Navi Mumbai International Airport began international operations in July, with Air India Express (IX) launching the first scheduled international service to Abu Dhabi.
IATA Challenges Mumbai Flight Shift Plan
IATA said it opposes forced airline relocations and wants any transfer to remain voluntary, commercially viable and operationally practical.
It also called for a comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process involving airlines before major operations are moved between airports.
The airline association questioned whether Navi Mumbai has demonstrated readiness across ground handling, aircraft maintenance, catering, cargo services, crew arrangements, regulatory approvals and passenger connectivity.
It also raised concerns about the airport’s ability to support different aircraft types, particularly widebody aircraft used on long-haul international routes.
IATA further objected to any requirement for airlines to surrender existing Mumbai airport slots as part of the transition. It said any reduction in capacity at Mumbai airport should follow transparent capacity analysis, advance communication and consultation with affected airlines.
Mumbai Airport T1 Redevelopment Plans Details
MIAL said the proposed changes are linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport. The operator said demolition work was originally planned for mid-2025 but was deferred because Navi Mumbai airport was not ready to provide an alternative operating facility.
MIAL now plans to begin Terminal 1 redevelopment in January 2027. The airport operator said airlines may relocate operations to Navi Mumbai or temporarily suspend services until the reconstructed Terminal 1 is commissioned in 2029-30.
Earlier plans indicated that around five million passengers of international capacity could move from Mumbai Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai, while domestic traffic from Terminal 1 would be accommodated at Terminal 2 during redevelopment.
Airlines Seek Clear Operational Transition Guidance
IATA has asked MoCA and MIAL to establish a coordinated transition framework covering readiness milestones, implementation timelines, capacity assessments and regulatory oversight, Business Standard reported.
The association said airlines need sufficient time to adjust schedules, aircraft deployment, sales inventory and other operational resources.
The issue has also drawn attention from individual carriers.
Air France-KLM said it did not plan to split its Mumbai passenger operations between the two airports because doing so could complicate ground handling and operational planning, although it could consider a complete move if capacity at Mumbai becomes unworkable.
IATA said it supports Navi Mumbai’s development and Mumbai’s long-term dual-airport system, but wants airlines involved in determining how and when operations are transferred.
MIAL, meanwhile, said the transition is temporary and that it will honour airlines’ historic slot rights once the rebuilt Terminal 1 becomes operational.
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