Adani Airports to revamp Mumbai T1 North section

Adani Airports plans to begin a phased redevelopment of Terminal 1's North Section at Mumbai Airport in January 2027, aiming to address safety concerns surrounding the nearly 60-year-old facility. The project will temporarily impact around 5 million passengers annually, which represents about 9% of the airport's total passenger traffic of 55 million per year.

Airlines operating from the affected section will have the option to temporarily relocate operations to the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport, offering support throughout the process.

The redevelopment aims to keep 91% of passenger operations at Terminal 1 unaffected, with the North Section accounting for around one-third of the terminal's capacity. Upon completion, the project will expand Terminal 1's capacity by 33% to 20 million passengers annually. Extensive consultations with airlines have been ongoing since 2020, and the proposal was presented before the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) and incorporated into the approved tariff framework.

Safety concerns have been a long-standing issue at Terminal 1, relying on temporary fixes due to a lack of alternative options. A fire at the terminal in April earlier this year highlighted the potential hazards of continuing operations in the old structure. The launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport has created a viable alternative, making a phased reconstruction feasible.

Navi Mumbai International Airport offers a 100% discount on landing fees for new international flights and plans to provide international passengers with cash vouchers to bridge the gap in user development fees between the two facilities.

By focusing on the North Section first, Adani Airports aims to avoid a full shutdown and minimize disruption for carriers and travelers. The two-airport framework will play a pivotal role in managing the region's expanding aviation needs, with Mumbai Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport functioning as complementary hubs serving the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region.