Mumbai airports operator orders shift of 265 international flights by late October

Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has mandated the relocation of 265 international weekly flights from Mumbai's existing Bombay High Street airport to the new Navi Mumbai facility by October 26, citing capacity pressures at the older terminal.

The operator issued the directive after a September 25 deadline for airlines to submit detailed transition plans, with MIAL noting that several carriers failed to comply with the request. The move is part of a broader strategy to decongest Mumbai's primary airport and distribute traffic across the newly constructed facility in Raigad district.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport, which commenced operations earlier this year, has been developed to augment aviation capacity in the Mumbai metropolitan region. The facility is equipped to handle international traffic and has been positioned as a modern alternative to manage the region's growing air traffic demands.

Airlines operating international services from Mumbai have been under pressure to coordinate their schedules with airport authorities to ensure a smooth transition. The October 26 deadline represents a firm cut-off for the relocation, though airport operators have indicated willingness to work with carriers on scheduling complexities.

The shift is expected to ease congestion at the existing airport while establishing the Navi Mumbai facility as a major international hub for the region. The move underscores India's efforts to enhance aviation infrastructure and accommodate rising passenger traffic across major metropolitan centers.