MoCA asks MIAL to defer Mumbai flight shift plan, consult airlines

The Indian government has temporarily halted Adani Airport's plan to relocate a portion of international flights from Mumbai's Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai, easing tensions with airlines over the transition. This decision came after a meeting in New Delhi between the civil aviation ministry, airlines, and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, the operator of both Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the recently opened Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Adani had proposed moving 33% of international flights by October 25, but airlines raised concerns about the operational challenges of shifting services between the two airports. The civil aviation ministry has now asked Adani to postpone the transition for a few weeks and seek a detailed plan for the relocation. The issue arises as Adani prepares to begin redevelopment work at Mumbai's Terminal 1, which will require changes to existing flight operations.

The next talks are scheduled for October 13 at Mumbai airport, with a final transition plan expected to be considered by October 20. The civil aviation secretary, Samir Kumar Sinha, led the Tuesday meeting, which included representatives from airlines, Adani Airport, the Federation of Indian Airlines, the International Air Transport Association, and the Airports Authority of India.