Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 Redevelopment: 91% of International Traffic Unaffected

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is set to undergo a significant transformation as it begins the redevelopment of its aging Terminal 1. As travelers look for the latest Mumbai airport news, officials have confirmed that the project will be managed in a way that minimizes impact on global connectivity. Under the Summer 2027 schedule, 39 out of 50 international airlines will continue their operations from Terminal 2, ensuring that 91 per cent of international passenger traffic remains unaffected.

Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 Redevelopment

Terminal 1, which was first commissioned in 1964, has reached a point where modern infrastructure is required. Audits conducted by Structwel in 2017 and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in 2024 identified structural and safety concerns, necessitating the replacement of the six-decade-old facility. The redevelopment project, which is targeted for completion by March 2029, aims to increase the terminal's capacity from 15 million passengers per annum to 20 million, a 33 per cent growth. The new facility will feature enhanced security screening, improved passenger processing, and modernized infrastructure.

While the majority of operations remain at CSMIA, 11 international carriers will shift select services to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting in late March 2027. These airlines currently operate approximately 16 daily departures. Domestic carriers, including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air, have also indicated plans to transition certain routes to the new airport. CSMIA has assured all airlines that their historical slot allocations will be protected during this transition period.

Over 90 per cent of international flights will continue at CSMIA during the Terminal 1 redevelopment project.

This redistribution is expected to affect roughly five million passengers annually, representing about 9 per cent of the airport's total yearly traffic of 55 million. The remaining 50 million passengers will continue to be handled at the existing Mumbai airport facilities without interruption. By keeping the bulk of international operations at Terminal 2, the airport authority aims to maintain seamless service while carrying out necessary structural upgrades.

Why it matters

The redevelopment is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of Mumbai's aviation infrastructure. By utilizing the new Navi Mumbai International Airport to absorb a portion of the traffic, authorities can ensure the city's aviation network remains robust. This transition allows for essential modernization work while limiting the inconvenience to millions of passengers and maintaining critical global air links for the region.