Maharashtra Government Opposes Shifting of Mumbai Flights, Proposes Phased Redevelopment of Terminal 1

The Maharashtra government has opposed the Mumbai airport operator's plan to completely demolish Terminal 1 and shift international flights to Navi Mumbai. Instead, the state government has written to the Civil Aviation Ministry suggesting a phased redevelopment to avoid flight disruptions, aligning with the views of airlines and employee unions.

MUMBAI — The Maharashtra government has opposed the proposed shifting of flights from Mumbai airport, calling instead for a phased redevelopment of Terminal 1. The state government communicated its stance to the Civil Aviation Ministry in early October.

An official from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s office confirmed on Wednesday that a letter was sent to the ministry. The official stated that the state has suggested simultaneous redevelopment of Terminal 1 to avoid any disruption of flights.

The state government’s proposal contrasts directly with the airport operator's plan. According to the Mumbai airport's schedule, Terminal 1 is slated for complete demolition starting in April 2027. Construction of the new terminal is scheduled to begin in April 2028, with completion expected by December 2030.

To manage capacity during these works, Mumbai airport proposed shifting all flights on fourteen international routes to Navi Mumbai, citing a need to move a passenger capacity of five million. However, this transition plan has faced resistance from airlines. Foreign airlines have asked the airport to adhere to slot allocation guidelines, while West Asian carriers have warned of potential reciprocal measures against Indian carriers and an impact on Haj flights. Mumbai airport did not respond to queries regarding the matter.

An airport source defended the operator's plan, stating that undertaking major construction while retaining the existing 60-plus-year-old structure could pose safety risks and operational challenges. According to the source, complete demolition is essential for safer construction conditions, optimized project timelines, and the earliest possible completion of the redevelopment.

Meanwhile, employee unions at the airport have welcomed the Maharashtra government’s proposal. In an October 7 letter to Mumbai airport, Bharatiya Kamgar Sena Joint General Secretary Sanjay Kadam stated that shifting operations to Navi Mumbai would create serious inconvenience and hardship for workers due to distance, increased travel time, and additional transportation expenses. The union has also sought guarantees that all existing workers at Terminal 1 will be re-employed after redevelopment and that no staff will be terminated or replaced due to the temporary closure.

"Large infrastructure upgrades require a careful balance between long-term modernization and short-term operational continuity. When state authorities, operators, airlines, and labor unions hold conflicting views on major projects like terminal redevelopment, transparent stakeholder consultation becomes critical. For businesses dependent on regional logistics and transport connectivity, minimizing disruption during transition phases is essential to protect both operational efficiency and the workforce." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes