Mumbai’s plan to reduce 265 weekly international departure slots at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has been postponed for the winter schedule after airlines objected. Flights will continue under their existing allocations through March 27, 2027, but the proposed changes for the summer schedule remain disputed.
Why MIAL Proposed Changing Flight Allocations
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) proposed temporarily reducing 265 of CSMIA’s 770 weekly international departure slots from October 25. The proposal could affect 46 airlines. MIAL said the change would create space at Terminal 2 (T2) for domestic passengers displaced by the redevelopment of Terminal 1, which handles domestic flights. The airport operator has also proposed moving some international operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Airlines Challenge the Proposal
Airlines raised concerns about the timing, consultation process and operational impact of changing schedules at short notice. On October 6, the Civil Aviation Ministry intervened and asked the airport operator and airlines to work towards an agreed plan. MIAL later said it would leave winter flight allocations unchanged.
Summer Flight Changes Remain Unsettled
On October 19, the Airline Operators Committee rejected any unilateral transfer, reduction or cancellation of international operations, saying airlines had not agreed to the proposal and wanted further information. The next meeting between airlines and airport operators is scheduled for October 28. The summer schedule begins in late March 2027, but any changes to flights or slots remain under discussion.
What Passengers Should Know
Passengers travelling during the winter schedule should not expect their international flights to move to NMIA under the postponed plan. The Terminal 1 redevelopment is still planned, but its timeline and the arrangements for affected flights may be revised. Travellers should check their ticket and airline notifications for their confirmed departure airport.
