Mumbai airport firm on capacity reduction, says airlines free to take network

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Airport operator says airlines free to relocate or suspend operations as AOC questions reduction amid Terminal 1 underutilisation

By Aneesh Phadnis

Updated - October 19, 2026 at 05:13 PM. | Mumbai

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: A man takes a picture of a Vistara airline passanger aircraft parked at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, February 1, 2024. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo/File Photo | Photo Credit: FRANCIS MASCARENHAS

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) maintains that passenger capacity of five million needs to be reduced from next summer, overlooking concerns raised by airlines.

In a communication to the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) on Monday, the airport has said individual airlines have complete freedom to make their own decisions regarding the 2027 summer schedule or beyond. “This includes choosing to relocate to Navi Mumbai International Airport (partially or fully), temporarily suspending operations at Mumbai airport until T1 is operational again in 2030, or pursuing other location alternatives. As we explained in the meeting on October 13, approximately 5 million passenger capacity needs to be restricted at Mumbai airport from 2027 summer schedule,” MIAL has said.

Airlines have questioned the need to cut five million passenger capacity especially as Terminal 1 is operating below capacity. AOC has also said that the airport operator needs to adhere to Civil Aviation Ministry guidelines on slot allocation before finalising any capacity reduction. Airlines have presented their views while opposing the plan to shift one-third of international flights to Navi Mumbai airport from the summer schedule.

“We reiterate that all historic slots at Mumbai airport will be fully maintained and restored once Terminal 1 is redeveloped. The purpose of these consultations is to avoid any perception of unilateral decision-making. We want to provide a genuine, collaborative platform to discuss all possible scenarios mutually. We look forward to a transparent and productive discussion at our upcoming meeting on 28 October 2026 to achieve mutually acceptable solutions,” MIAL has said.

Published on October 19, 2026

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