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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