Mumbai Airport Capacity Dispute Continues Over 2027 Plan

Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) says it plans to restrict capacity equivalent to about five million passengers a year at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) from the Summer 2027 schedule, while airlines say they have not agreed to move flights or surrender slots. In an October 19 communication to the Airline Operators Committee (AOC), MIAL said the restriction would apply from the summer schedule, which begins in April 2027. The airport operator said individual airlines could decide whether to move some or all operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport, temporarily suspend operations at CSMIA until Terminal 1 is redeveloped, or pursue other alternatives. MIAL said the restriction was needed during the Terminal 1 redevelopment and that historic slots would be restored after the work. It has described consultations with airlines as a collaborative process aimed at finding mutually acceptable arrangements. The reports do not establish that any flight transfers have been finalized. The AOC says member airlines have not agreed to transfer international operations to Navi Mumbai or reduce or cancel their existing CSMIA slots. It has asked MIAL for...