International passengers flying from Mumbai could see major schedule changes from October 25, 2026, as Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) prepares  for the redevelopment of Terminal 1. Mumbai Airport has asked airlines to temporarily reduce 265 international departure slots, or about one-third of the total, while airlines may also relocate affected services to Navi Mumbai International Airport.  

Why do Mumbai Flights Shift to Navi Mumbai?

Mumbai Airport will begin redeveloping the North Section of Terminal 1B  in January 2027. Terminal 1 currently handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves both domestic and international operations. Once work begins at T1, some domestic services will need to move to T2. To create enough space at Terminal 2, Mumbai International Airport Limited has asked airlines to temporarily reduce 265 international departure slots. Airlines can temporarily discontinue affected services or consider relocating them to Navi Mumbai International Airport, depending on their operational plans. 

How Many International Flights Could Be Affected?

Mumbai Airport currently handles around 770 weekly international departures operated by 46 airlines. MIAL has asked carriers to temporarily reduce 265 weekly international departure slots from October 25. This represents roughly one-third of the airport’s current international departure schedule. The change will begin at the same time as the winter airline schedule.

However, this does not mean that all 265 services will disappear. Some airlines may choose to relocate some of these services to Navi Mumbai International Airport instead. 

Why Does Terminal 1 Need Redevelopment?

Terminal 1 is one of the older sections of Mumbai Airport and has been operating for several decades. The first phase will involve the demolition and redevelopment of the northern section of Terminal 1B, which represents around one-third of T1’s capacity. After the project is completed, the terminal’s annual passenger capacity is expected to increase from around 15 million to 20 million passengers. Airport authorities say the redevelopment will increase capacity by about 33%.

Which Airlines Could Be Affected?

Several major Indian and international airlines operate from Mumbai Airport. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet are among the carriers affected by the proposed international slot reductions. International carriers could also need to review their Mumbai schedules if the proposed reduction in departure slots goes ahead.

Passengers should remember that airline-specific changes have not been finalised for every route. Travellers should check their airline’s latest schedule before planning their airport journey.

How Could Navi Mumbai International Airport Help?

Navi Mumbai International Airport adds much-needed aviation capacity for Mumbai. It could help take some pressure off the existing Mumbai International Airport as Terminal 1 undergoes redevelopment. Airport authorities hope the two airports will eventually work together as part of a larger Mumbai dual-airport system.

To encourage international airlines to operate from Navi Mumbai, AERA has approved a one-year waiver on landing charges for new international routes from the airport. Airport authorities also plan to offer support to passengers to help address differences in airport charges between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

What Could the Change Mean for Passengers?

Passengers flying internationally from Mumbai should pay close attention to the airport listed on their ticket. Some international flights that currently depart from Mumbai International Airport could move to Navi Mumbai International Airport if airlines choose to relocate those services. This could affect airport travel time, taxi costs and connecting journeys.

Passengers connecting between domestic and international flights may need to plan extra time if their flights operate from different airports. Travellers should always check the airport name, terminal and departure time before leaving for their flight.

What Travellers Should Do

Passengers do not need to change their plans immediately, but they should keep a close eye on their bookings. If you have an international flight from Mumbai after October 25, check whether your departure airport remains Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai Airport) or changes to Navi Mumbai International Airport. 

Travellers should also allow enough time to reach the correct airport, particularly if they have a connecting flight. Checking airline emails, flight schedules and airport details before departure can help avoid last-minute confusion.

Mumbai’s aviation system is preparing for a major transition as Terminal 1 redevelopment approaches. Navi Mumbai International Airport could absorb some services and help maintain overall connectivity during the redevelopment period.

The redevelopment could increase Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1 capacity in the long run, though airlines still have concerns about how the transition will work. If you are travelling internationally from Mumbai after October 25, confirm your airport, terminal and flight schedule before starting your journey.

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Mumbai Airport is preparing for major changes as it moves ahead with the redevelopment of Terminal 1. Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has proposed shifting selected flights to Terminal 2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport in phases from October 2026. Passengers should check the airline’s latest terminal and airport details before leaving for their flight.

Why Mumbai Airport Is Shifting Flights

MIAL plans to redevelop Terminal 1, one of Mumbai Airport’s older terminal facilities. The first phase of the work will focus on the northern section of Terminal 1-B. The airport operator wants to redistribute flight operations before demolition begins. This approach will help airlines adjust their schedules and reduce inconvenience for travelers. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 together handle around 950 flight movements each day. Terminal 1 can handle about 15 million passengers annually, while Terminal 2 can handle around 40 million passengers each year.

International Flights May Move to Navi Mumbai Airport

MIAL has proposed shifting at least one-third of international air traffic movements to Navi Mumbai International Airport from October 1, 2026. The proposed change will move some international operations away from Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2. However, the final list of participating airlines, routes, and flights may vary during the transition.

Travelers with international flights from Mumbai should not assume that their flight will continue to depart from Terminal 2. They should check their airline app, booking email, and flight-status page before traveling to the airport.

Selected Terminal 1 Flights May Shift to Terminal 2

From October 25, 2026, MIAL plans to move at least one-third of Terminal 1 air traffic movements to Terminal 2. The change will affect selected domestic flights currently operating from Terminal 1. Airlines will share the exact terminal details with passengers based on their booked flights.

At present, airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, and Star Air operate domestic flights from Terminal 1. Akasa Air already shifted its domestic operations to Terminal 2 in August as part of the airport’s operational realignment. Passengers should always confirm their terminal with the airline, even if they have used the same route before.

Terminal 1 Redevelopment Will Begin in January 2027

MIAL plans to begin demolition of the north section of Terminal 1-B on January 15, 2027. This part of the terminal handles around five million passengers each year. The airport will provide airlines with a transition period before redevelopment work begins. The redevelopment will take place in phases, allowing Mumbai Airport to continue serving travelers while Terminal 1 undergoes modernization.

Navi Mumbai Airport Transition

The planned flight redistribution will support Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1 redevelopment while helping airlines continue their services. Terminal 2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport will play an important role in managing passenger traffic during the transition. The changes do not mean that every flight will move from Mumbai Airport. MIAL and airlines will decide the final flight assignments as the transition plan develops.

From October 2026 onward, passengers flying from Mumbai should stay updated and confirm their departure details directly with the airline.

Mumbai Airport’s proposed flight shifts will begin in October 2026, with selected international flights moving to Navi Mumbai International Airport and selected Terminal 1 flights moving to Terminal 2. The Terminal 1-B redevelopment is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

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