The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised objections to a proposal by Adani-operated Mumbai airport to shift some international flights from Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the newly developed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The proposed transfer is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026. However, IATA has expressed concerns over the decision, stating that airlines were not properly consulted before the plan was introduced.
Under the proposal, 265 out of the 770 weekly international departure slots currently available at Terminal 2 will be reduced from October 26, 2026. This represents a 34% reduction in international departure slots and is expected to affect 46 airlines operating from Mumbai. The changes could have an impact on flight schedules, passenger convenience and airline operations.
Several major airlines are expected to be affected by the proposed changes. IndiGo could lose 74 weekly departure slots, while Air India may lose 33 slots. International carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways are also expected to lose 10 slots each. Airlines may need to adjust their schedules and move some of their international operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
IATA has described the proposal as a form of “forced relocation” and argued that the decision was made without sufficient discussion with the airlines. The organisation believes that airlines should have been involved in the planning process before such major operational changes were announced. It has also raised concerns about presenting the proposal as a final decision without giving airlines enough opportunity to share their views.
The issue has created uncertainty among airlines regarding their future operations at Mumbai airport. The proposed shift is expected to bring major changes to international flight services in the Mumbai region. Further discussions between the airport operator, airlines and aviation authorities may be needed to address the concerns before the plan moves forward.