Mumbai Airlines Seek Structural Safety Data Before Flight Cuts at Terminal 1

Airlines operating at Mumbai airport have formally requested detailed structural safety reports concerning Terminal 1 (T1) as they prepare for a critical meeting on October 13. The session aims to finalize plans for reducing flights amid redevelopment efforts at the aging terminal.

This development follows a directive from the Civil Aviation Ministry, which recently paused the proposed cutback of 265 international flights scheduled from October 26. Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) had initially recommended the flight reduction citing safety concerns linked to the terminal's condition and upcoming renovation work.

In a communication to MIAL, the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) expressed the need to review independent consultant reports underpinning the structural safety issues flagged by the airport authorities. The airlines also sought a comprehensive redevelopment strategy for T1, including a breakdown of the project’s scope, phased execution plans, and fixed deadlines.

While the airlines acknowledge the importance of upgrading Terminal 1 safely and efficiently, the AOC highlighted that the suggested 33 percent reduction in flights has not been discussed with or approved by the committee or the affected carriers. They described the proposal as a unilateral decision by MIAL.

MIAL responded by pointing out that a stakeholder meeting was convened on September 16, though many airline partners chose not to attend. The airport operator reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing stakeholder dialogue and stated that the redevelopment schedule and implementation milestones remain unchanged.

The redevelopment plan targets a section of Terminal 1B with work slated to begin in January 2027. The terminal, which has been operational for six decades, requires significant repairs due to its age. According to MIAL, the partial closure of Terminal 1B will affect only about 10 percent of Mumbai’s air traffic, leaving the majority of flights unaffected.

Additionally, airlines have been offered the option to temporarily shift operations to the nearby Navi Mumbai International Airport. This facility has recently become operational and is positioned as a viable alternative for passengers and carriers, which was not previously available.

Terminal 1’s structural integrity has been a concern for some time, with only temporary fixes implemented in the past due to the lack of alternative arrangements. MIAL emphasized that with Navi Mumbai International Airport now open, postponing the phased closure and demolition of Terminal 1 is no longer feasible.

In an effort to encourage airlines to move some operations to Navi Mumbai, the airport is providing a full waiver on landing fees for new international flights. Furthermore, plans are in place to offer cash vouchers to international travelers to offset the difference in User Development Fees (UDF) charged between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports.

The ongoing discussion around Terminal 1’s safety and redevelopment is a significant event for Mumbai’s aviation sector. As one of India’s busiest airports, Mumbai handles a large volume of both domestic and international passengers. Updating infrastructure while minimizing disruption is a complex task that requires balancing the interests of airlines, passengers, and regulatory bodies.

The upcoming meeting on October 13 will be crucial to determining how flight operations will be adjusted in the short term and how the redevelopment will proceed to ensure long-term safety and capacity improvements at Mumbai’s airport.