Mumbai Airport is preparing for a major change that could affect  passengers every day. Mumbai International Airport Limited has announced that Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will halt flight operations from October 25, 2026. The terminal will remain closed while the airport operator carries out its redevelopment project. Travelers should therefore check their airport and terminal details carefully before starting their journey.

Why Is Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 Closing?

Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 is nearly 80 years old  and is now set for major redevelopment. The airport operator has been planning the reconstruction for several years, with the demolition plan dating back to 2018. The project could not move forward earlier because there was no alternative operating facility available for the affected airlines. 

With Navi Mumbai International Airport now operational and available as an alternative within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, MIAL can move ahead with the redevelopment. AERA documents also show that the reconstruction of Terminal 1 has been considered as part of the airport’s capacity and traffic planning.  The regulator reviewed the proposal along with expected traffic shifts between Mumbai Airport and Navi Mumbai Airport.

When Will Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 Close?

Airline operations will be realigned during the transition, with affected services moving to other facilities or being temporarily suspended.  The new Terminal 1 is expected to become operational in 2029-30, according to the latest MIAL information, although the project timeline could change. 

How Busy Is Mumbai Airport Terminal 1?

Terminal 1 handles a significant volume  of Mumbai’s passenger traffic. According to recent reporting, T1 handled nearly 15 million passengers in the financial year 2025-26, while Terminal 2 handled around 40 million passengers. Mumbai Airport’s two terminals together handle around 950 flight movements a day. . These numbers show why realigning T1 operations will be a significant task for airlines and airport authorities.

What Should Passengers Do After October 25?

One of the main risks  for passengers during the transition is going to the wrong airport or terminal. Travelers should check their flight details before departure rather than relying on an older booking confirmation. Passengers should especially:

• Check whether the flight operates from Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 or Navi Mumbai International Airport.
• Read airline emails, SMS alerts and app notifications.
• Confirm the terminal before leaving home.
• Allow extra travel time if the flight has moved to Navi Mumbai.
• Recheck connecting flights if your itinerary involves  different airports.
• Avoid assuming that a route will continue from the same terminal as before.

This will become particularly important during the initial phase of the Mumbai Airport T1 closure.

The Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 closure from October 25, 2026 will bring significant changes for passengers flying through the city. Travelers should carefully check their airline, airport, and terminal information before every journey during the transition.

If you are planning an international trip, explore Indian Eagle deals to find suitable options for a budget-friendly journey.

The post Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 to Shut From October 25: What Passengers Need to Know appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.