Mumbai’s airport network is about to see a major change, and thousands of air travellers may need to pay closer attention to their flight details.
From October 1, 2026, at least one-third of international air traffic movements currently operating from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) are expected to shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
The change is linked to the upcoming redevelopment of CSMIA’s Terminal 1.
The aim is to move some flights out of CSMIA so that major construction work can begin without disrupting Mumbai’s overall airport operations.
International Flights to Shift From October 1
Starting October 1, at least one-third of the international traffic currently handled by CSMIA Terminal 2 is expected to move to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The transition period will give airlines time to adjust their schedules and make the necessary operational arrangements.
For passengers, this means one important thing: your usual Mumbai airport may change.
Navi Mumbai International Airport started domestic operations in December 2025 and began international operations in July 2026.
With the new airport now operational, Mumbai has additional capacity to handle passengers while work takes place at CSMIA.
More Flights Will Also Move Within Mumbai Airport
The changes aren’t limited to the shift between the two airports.
Passengers using CSMIA will also see changes between its terminals.
From October 23, at least one-third of the traffic currently handled by Terminal 1 is expected to move to Terminal 2.
Airlines have already started making adjustments.
For example, carriers such as Akasa have begun shifting domestic operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.
These changes are part of a larger plan to keep airport operations running while Terminal 1 undergoes redevelopment.
Why Is CSMIA Terminal 1 Being Redeveloped?
CSMIA’s Terminal 1 is around eight decades old and needs major reconstruction.
The redevelopment has been planned for several years but was delayed partly because Navi Mumbai International Airport was not operational earlier.
Now that NMIA is available, some of the traffic can be shifted away from CSMIA.
The first phase of the Terminal 1 redevelopment is expected to begin on January 15, 2027.
The initial work will involve demolishing the north section of Terminal 1-B.
This section currently handles around 5 million passengers every year.
Starting with only this section is intended to reduce disruption for passengers and airlines.
Travellers Need to Check Their Airport and Terminal
For passengers, the biggest change could be surprisingly simple — your flight may no longer operate from the airport or terminal you normally use.
If you have a flight from Mumbai around or after October 1, check your:
Flight ticket
Airline messages and emails
Airport and terminal details
Latest flight information before leaving home
Don’t rely only on information from an old booking confirmation if your airline has subsequently changed the operation.
The transition period is expected to last around three and a half months before the first major redevelopment work begins at Terminal 1.
Airlines will need to coordinate with airport authorities throughout this period.
Navi Mumbai Airport Is Set to Become More Important
The flight shift marks an important step in Mumbai’s two-airport system.
Navi Mumbai International Airport was developed to provide additional capacity for the Mumbai metropolitan region and reduce pressure on CSMIA.
Now, with a growing share of international flights expected to move to NMIA, the new airport is taking on a much bigger role.
For travellers, the transition may mean one extra step before every journey — checking the airport and terminal carefully.
But in the longer term, the changes could allow Mumbai to handle more air traffic while CSMIA gets a major modernisation.
Bottom Line
From October 1, 2026, at least one-third of international air traffic movements currently operating from CSMIA are expected to shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
At the same time, some traffic will move between CSMIA’s own terminals.
With CSMIA Terminal 1 redevelopment expected to begin in January 2027, passengers should carefully check their airport and terminal details before travelling.
