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Mumbaikars, your airport plans are about to get a little more complicated – because Terminal 1 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (or Mumbai Airport) is set for a major redevelopment from January 2027 onwards.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), operated by Adani Airports, is set to revamp the north section of Terminal 1B by demolishing it from January 15, 2027. This phased shutdown will redistribute flights between Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This means that your airport travel might take longer than usual.
Why will Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 be closed?
Terminal 1 is over 80 years old, and the redevelopment is being undertaken in phases, considering safety concerns as one of the reasons for the work. Once the work is completed, the capacity of this airport terminal will increase by 33%, handling passengers from around 15 million to 20 million a year.
Phase 1 will temporarily affect about 5 million passengers annually, roughly around 9% of the city’s total passengers. As per Adani Airports, 91% of the airport’s passenger traffic will remain unaffected during the redevelopment.
Where will flights from Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 move?
Reportedly, currently operating flights from Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 will be redistributed between Terminal 2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), as per MIAL’s transition plan. One-third of traffic movements from Terminal 1 are expected to shift to Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 from October 25, while one-third of operations will move to NMIA.
Approximately five million passengers are expected to be accommodated at Terminal 2, and around 10 million passengers currently using Terminal 1 could eventually shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Mumbai Airport Terminal 2’s capacity to handle passengers is also expected to increase from 40 million to 45 million.
Akasa Air has already moved its domestic operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 as part of this wider transition. Similarly, you can expect IndiGo, Air India and other airlines to move their operations according to the redevelopment plan.
How does Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 affect travellers?
If you’re someone whose flights move from Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 to Navi Mumbai International Airport, the biggest challenge is the distance. Mumbai travellers will need to consider the additional road travel and increased commuting costs, especially during peak hours. This increased movement can put extra pressure on the existing traffic congestion across the city.
However, those flying from Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 will find current congestion at the airport at ease, potentially reducing aircraft holding and departure delays. As of now, the golden rule for people flying from Mumbai is simple: check your airport and terminal days prior and plan your airport commute accordingly.