Mumbai's main airport overhaul forces airlines to shift or pause
Mumbai's main airport is finally getting a much-needed upgrade, but that means some airlines will have to either move flights to Navi Mumbai or take a break from the city for a while.
The changes are happening because the overhaul is long overdue, and airlines need to lock in their summer 2027 plans by November 5.
Carriers agree to Navi Mumbai move
Three international airlines have already agreed to shift operations to Navi Mumbai, with IndiGo and Air India having voluntarily opted to shift some of their operations too.
Mumbai's new Terminal 1 is expected to become operational by 2030. To keep things running as smoothly as possible during construction, the airport is speeding up temporary capacity boosts.
As CEO Arun Bansal put it, "Change initially brings resistance, but eventually comes with acceptance." Once the new space opens up, airlines will get their slots back and normal service should resume.