Air France-KLM rules out splitting Mumbai operations between two airports

Air France-KLM has clarified that it does not intend to split its passenger operations between Mumbai's existing airport and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, the airline said in a statement addressing operational logistics in India's financial hub.

Dividing flights between the two facilities would undermine operational efficiency and create complications in ground handling arrangements, according to the airline's assessment. Such a split would necessitate duplicate infrastructure investments and fragment the airline's operations in the region, making cost management more difficult.

The airline maintains that consolidating its Mumbai operations at a single location remains the preferred approach. However, Air France-KLM acknowledged that circumstances could change if capacity constraints at the primary airport necessitate a shift.

A full transition to Navi Mumbai International Airport could be considered in the future if operational demands or capacity pressures at the existing facility warrant such a move. The new airport, located approximately 40 kilometres south of central Mumbai, is expected to significantly enhance the region's aviation capacity in coming years.

The airline's stance reflects broader industry thinking on airport consolidation, with most carriers preferring unified operations to maximize efficiency and minimize administrative burden.