The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opposed the proposed mandatory relocation of a portion of international passenger and cargo operations from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
In a letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, IATA raised concerns over a proposal under which around one-third of each airline’s international operations could be shifted to Navi Mumbai from October. The association said the transition had not been adequately discussed with international airlines.
IATA said any transfer of airline operations should be based on voluntary commercial and operational decisions, supported by a comprehensive airport operational readiness and transfer process. It also called for greater consultation with airlines before changes are implemented.
The association raised questions about NMIA’s readiness to handle international operations, including ground handling, aircraft maintenance, catering, cargo facilities, crew arrangements, regulatory approvals and passenger connectivity. It also sought clarity on facilities for widebody aircraft used on long-haul international routes.
IATA further objected to arrangements that could require airlines to surrender their existing slots at Mumbai airport as part of the transition. It said any reduction in Mumbai airport capacity should follow a transparent slot-coordination process involving capacity assessments and consultations with affected airlines.
The issue is linked to the planned redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport. Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), which operates both airports, said Terminal 1 redevelopment is scheduled to begin in January 2027. According to MIAL, airlines can choose to move operations to NMIA or temporarily suspend services until the rebuilt terminal is commissioned in 2029–30.
IATA said it supports the development of Navi Mumbai airport and the creation of a dual-airport system for the Mumbai metropolitan region. However, it has called for a transparent transition framework, clear readiness milestones, stakeholder consultation and regulatory oversight before significant airline operations are transferred.