Mumbai Airport international flights may be cut from October 25 as the airport prepares for changes linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1.
Around 265 weekly international flights are proposed to be temporarily suspended, potentially affecting passengers and several airlines.
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has informed 46 airlines about the proposed reduction. At present, around 770 international flights operate from Mumbai’s Terminal 2 each week.
Mumbai Airport International Flights May Be Cut
The proposed changes are linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1, which is mainly used for domestic flights, while international operations are handled from Terminal 2.
Under the plan, some international flight slots at Terminal 2 will be reduced temporarily. The available capacity will then be used by domestic airlines to accommodate passengers who would otherwise travel through Terminal 1.
MIAL is planning to make facilities such as check-in counters, baggage belts and boarding gates available to domestic operators. The changes are intended to help handle around 5 million domestic passengers every year.
IndiGo and Air India Services Affected
Several major airlines could be affected by the proposed international flight reductions. According to the information provided, 74 of IndiGo’s 224 weekly international flights from Mumbai may be affected.
Air India is expected to reduce 33 of its 100 weekly international services. Akasa Air may reduce 11 weekly international flights, while Air India Express and SpiceJet could reduce seven and five services respectively.
Etihad Airways and Emirates are also reporting 10 weekly services each that could be affected by the proposed changes.
Navi Mumbai Airport Shift Faces Concerns
The proposed changes have also led to differences between airlines and the airport operator over shifting international flights from Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport.
Airlines have raised concerns about practical issues, including passenger demand and connectivity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also sought the intervention of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The association has said that such a major change requires a clear and agreed plan involving all stakeholders, including airlines.
What Happens to Mumbai Flight Operations
The redevelopment of Terminal 1 is scheduled to begin in January 2027. Before that, the proposed changes from October 25 could alter international flight operations at Mumbai Airport.
The Mumbai Airport international flights changes could also lead to further adjustments in operations between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports in the coming months, depending on how the plans progress.
