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Mumbai’s airport is preparing for a major makeover, but could passengers continue flying without disruption? Here’s the phased plan proposed by CM Fadnavis
Mumbai Airport News: According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the phased construction plan is designed to ensure that there is no need for flight rescheduling or cancellations at the airport because of the T1 redevelopment.
Mumbai’s aviation network could see a major change in the way its airport infrastructure is upgraded, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the Centre not to shift international flight operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Amid reports that foreign airlines are reluctant to move their operations to the new airport, CM Fadnavis has written to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting that international flights continue operating from Mumbai’s existing airport. According to a report in Lokmat, he has also proposed a phased redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1) to ensure that passenger services are not disrupted during construction.
The Chief Minister’s proposal focuses on building a replacement terminal before demolishing the existing structure, allowing flight operations to continue throughout the redevelopment process.
What Is CM Fadnavis’ Proposal For Mumbai Airport?
According to the plan outlined by the Chief Minister, the redevelopment of T1 at CSMIA should take place in two main phases.
First, a new Terminal 1B will be constructed at Mumbai airport. Once the building is ready, airline services and other operations currently handled by Terminal 1A will be shifted to the new facility.
Only after this transfer is completed will the existing Terminal 1A be demolished. A new terminal will then be constructed in its place.
This approach is intended to avoid shutting down the entire terminal at once and subsequently beginning construction. Instead, the airport can continue handling passengers while the replacement infrastructure is developed.
Why Does Mumbai Airport Need A Terminal 1 Upgrade?
Terminal 1, which began operations in 1964, requires redevelopment primarily because of concerns over the building’s structural condition and safety.
The proposed upgrade is expected to modernise the terminal and improve the facilities available to passengers. The redevelopment will also increase the airport’s capacity to handle growing passenger traffic.
For travellers, the project is significant because it aims to improve airport infrastructure without bringing existing flight operations to a halt.
Will Flights Be Cancelled Or Rescheduled During Construction?
Avoiding disruption to air services is one of the main objectives of the Chief Minister’s proposal. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the phased construction plan is designed to ensure that there is no need for flight rescheduling or cancellations at the airport because of the T1 redevelopment.
The new terminal can be built alongside ongoing airport operations. Once Terminal 1B is ready, services can be transferred there before work begins on demolishing and rebuilding Terminal 1A.
The proposal is therefore aimed at ensuring that passengers continue to have access to existing airport services even as the infrastructure undergoes a major overhaul.
New Terminal To Handle 20 Million Passengers Annually
The redeveloped Terminal 1 is expected to have an annual passenger-handling capacity of 20 million. Apart from increasing capacity, the project will bring improvements to passenger processing, security screening and other airport infrastructure.
The new terminal is targeted to become operational by March 2029. If implemented as proposed, the phased redevelopment could allow Mumbai airport to expand and modernise its facilities while maintaining regular flight services.
What This Means For Air Travellers
The Chief Minister’s proposal has two important implications for passengers. First, it seeks to retain international flight operations at Mumbai’s existing airport rather than shifting them to Navi Mumbai. Second, it aims to prevent a complete closure of Terminal 1 during redevelopment.
The final arrangements will depend on the Centre’s decision and the implementation of the proposed construction plan. For now, the phased approach seeks to balance Mumbai’s growing aviation needs with the need to keep one of the country’s busiest airports operational during a major infrastructure upgrade.
Quick Answers
Ask News18CM Devendra Fadnavis has urged the Centre to keep international flights at Mumbai’s existing airport and proposed a phased redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1). Under this plan, a new Terminal 1B would be built first, allowing operations from Terminal 1A to transfer there before the old structure is demolished, avoiding flight disruptions and cancellations.
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A sociologist by training and a storyteller by profession, I spend my days shaping news, and when I’m not chasing deadlines, I’m exploring new places, discovering different cultures and tasting unique…Read More
November 12, 2026, 09:27 IST
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