Emirates and Air France-KLM are among several international airlines resisting a proposed relocation of overseas flights from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the newly developed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The proposal, put forward by Adani-controlled Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), aims to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport during its upcoming terminal redevelopment.
Under the plan, approximately 265 of Mumbai airport’s 770 weekly international departure slots could be transferred to NMIA. This represents capacity for nearly five million passengers annually. The relocation would help accommodate the planned demolition and reconstruction of Terminal 1 at CSMIA, with redevelopment expected to begin around April 2027.
However, the proposal has faced resistance from international carriers. Emirates and Air France-KLM have reportedly opposed shifting their operations, with Air France-KLM raising concerns that dividing flights between two airports would create operational inefficiencies. Airlines have also questioned the additional costs, ground-handling arrangements, aircraft maintenance facilities, catering, cargo operations and crew management requirements.
Another major concern is the challenge of handling connecting passengers between two airports located approximately 50 kilometres apart. Airlines have also raised questions about the reportedly higher User Development Fees at NMIA and whether a large-scale relocation is necessary while facilities at CSMIA are being expanded.
The original plan to begin shifting international flights in October 2026 has been postponed following objections from airlines and government authorities. Discussions are now increasingly focused on a phased transition during the summer 2027 schedule.
Meanwhile, major Indian carriers, including IndiGo, the Air India Group and Akasa Air, have agreed to transfer portions of their international operations to NMIA. Their transition could begin as early as December 2026 and continue into 2027.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also raised concerns about forced relocations, airport readiness and the operational impact on airlines. The Airline Operators Committee representing carriers at Mumbai has maintained that its members have not agreed to transfer international operations or surrender their existing slots at CSMIA.
MIAL has offered airlines options such as voluntary transfers of selected flights and temporary suspension of certain services. However, it maintains that capacity restrictions will be necessary to facilitate the redevelopment of Terminal 1. The final transition plan remains a key issue in discussions between airport authorities, airlines and government stakeholders.