Mumbai airport directs Gulf carriers to relocate services from summer 2027

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has issued directives to select Gulf-based carriers to relocate their flight operations to Navi Mumbai airport from the summer of 2027, coinciding with the start of major redevelopment work at the primary Mumbai facility. The move is part of a strategic restructuring to manage capacity during the upgrade of Terminal 1.

Airlines operating from the Gulf region that fail to shift their services to the Navi Mumbai airport during this period will be required to suspend operations until Terminal 1 at the main Mumbai airport completes its renovation and resumes normal functioning. The terminal is expected to reopen by 2029, at which point carriers may resume services at their preferred location.

The directive underscores the airport's expansion plans and the operational challenges posed by the terminal upgrade project. The relocation of select international carriers to the secondary airport is intended to maintain flight connectivity while minimizing disruptions to passengers during the extensive redevelopment work.

MIAL's decision reflects the airport authority's efforts to balance infrastructure modernization with sustained aviation operations. The phased approach allows the airport to proceed with necessary terminal improvements while ensuring that key international routes remain operational through alternative facilities in the region.