MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has suggested that Terminal 1 (T1) of the Mumbai airport be redeveloped in phases to avoid any disruption in flights, much less shift flights from the Mumbai airport to the new one in Navi Mumbai.
Flights from Kuwait, Kathmandu, Riyadh, Doha, Dhaka and Bahrain are among those MIAL proposes to shift. Tension had been building after MIAl announced that international flights to 14 destinations would have to move to NMIA, starting with the beginning of the summer schedule in March 2027.
The government, which has written to the Union civic aviation ministry, has stepped in following a face-off between international airlines and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), the operator of both airports. Flights can then seamlessly transition from one terminal to the other. “The letter was sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry two weeks ago, following the announcement. The ministry has responded positively and held a meeting immediately after receiving our letter. The government has, however, proposed that replacement infrastructure be developed before existing facilities are dismantled to ensure continuity of airport operations. Sources, however, are concerned that phased redevelopment would extend timelines, impacting costs.
Rather than demolish and rebuild Terminal 1 in one go, the state government has suggested that Terminal 1B be redeveloped before Terminal 1A is demolished. Terminal 1 is scheduled to be demolished by March 2028, with the new facility expected to be ready by December 2030.
We expect the centre to approve our request,” a state government official said. Additionally, given the age of the existing terminal building, undertaking major infrastructure additions could pose safety risks and operational challenges, they said. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the media on Tuesday that the state government had presented the alternative plan to the Union civil aviation ministry.
