07 October,2026 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
The redeveloped CSMIA Terminal 1 would accommodate 15-20 million passengers a year. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
The Centre has asked airlines and airport operators to prepare a firm plan to shift around five million international passengers from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
The decision on user development fees (UDF) is, however, still pending with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The issue was discussed at a meeting of major aviation stakeholders on Tuesday to discuss the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at CSMIA and the planned shift of airline operations to NMIA.
[popcorn number="Oct 13" desc="Day next such meeting will be held" class="Default"]
Airline representatives stated they had been discussing the proposed shift with Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the operator of CSMIA, for the past 18 months.
According to information received by mid-day, the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked all domestic airlines and airport operators to submit a firm plan for shifting operations to NMIA. The ministry has also proposed delaying the transition to T2 and NMIA by a few weeks.
The next meeting with airlines and airport operators has been scheduled for October 13. Another meeting has been proposed for October 20, when the final transition plan is expected to be discussed.
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) representatives stated in the meeting that NMIA was ready to handle up to five million international passengers a year.
The operator highlighted the airport's connectivity and other facilities, including hotels, lounges, and in-flight catering. The stakeholders said they would work together to ensure a smooth transition while keeping passenger convenience and airport operations in mind.
The meeting was attended by representatives of airlines, including Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo, along with AAHL, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, and the Federation of Indian Airlines.
The proposed shift is linked to the redevelopment of CSMIA's Terminal 1. According to sources, the existing terminal needs redevelopment, and the new terminal is planned to increase its capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers a year.
