CSMIA Terminal 1 Overhaul: MIAL, Airlines Align on Traffic Shift
MIAL and AOC align on shifting 5 mppa international traffic for the urgent redevelopment of CSMIA Terminal 1 to boost capacity to 65 mppa.
Mumbai's aviation landscape is gearing up for a massive transformation. In a significant move toward the dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the airport operator Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) and the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) have reached an alignment regarding the phased transition of international traffic to facilitate the long-awaited redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Urgency Behind the Demolition
The decision to move forward with the demolition of Terminal 1 comes after nearly a decade of delays. The urgency is not merely operational but structural. MIAL highlighted critical structural audit reports conducted by Structwel in 2017 and IIT Bombay in 2024, both of which underscored the pressing need to dismantle the existing T1 structure to ensure safety and modernization.
The 5 MPPA Traffic Transition Plan
To make way for the redevelopment, a temporary transition of 5 million passengers per annum (mppa) of international traffic will be implemented. While this sounds substantial, MIAL clarified that 91% of the current traffic at CSMIA will remain completely unaffected during this process.
The transition strategy involves a collaborative effort between the airport operator and major airlines:
- Major Carrier Shifts: Leading airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have already finalized plans to move their international flights to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), covering approximately 3 mppa.
- T2 Slot Adjustments: To fill the remaining 2 mppa gap to reach the 5 mppa target, MIAL proposes to temporarily transition slots out of CSMIA Terminal 2 starting from the Northern Summer 2027 (NS27) season.
Airlines have been requested to submit their detailed transition plans by November 3, 2026, to ensure the target is met seamlessly.
Future Capacity and Financials
The redevelopment is not just about replacing an old building; it is about scaling up Mumbai's gateway to the world. Currently, CSMIA has a total capacity of around 55 mppa. Once the redevelopment of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is complete, the total capacity is expected to surge to 65 mppa.
Addressing potential concerns regarding revenue and operations, MIAL stated that the demolition of T1 and the temporary reduction in traffic have already been factored into the approved tariff order, following thorough consultations with stakeholders.
A Promise of Restoration
MIAL has provided a firm assurance to the airline operators that the 5 mppa of international traffic shifted during this phase will be fully restored to CSMIA once the expansion of Terminal 2 is finalized. This phased and equitable approach is designed to prioritize passenger safety and minimize operational disruptions while positioning Mumbai as a world-class aviation hub.