Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is preparing to redevelop the northern section of Terminal 1B, citing safety concerns over the ageing structure. The project has prompted a proposal to shift some international flights to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to accommodate domestic passengers during construction. However, airlines have opposed the proposed changes, leading to a deferment of the flight transfer until after March 2027.

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), which operates CSMIA, plans to demolish and rebuild the northern section of Terminal 1B. The airport operator has cited safety concerns regarding the 60-year-old structure, with the risks becoming more pronounced following a fire at Terminal 1 in April 2026.

The redevelopment is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The affected section handles around five million passengers annually. Following reconstruction, Terminal 1’s capacity is expected to increase from 15 million to 20 million passengers a year.

Passengers can continue to use CSMIA for international departures under the existing winter schedule, which runs from October 25, 2026 to March 27, 2027.

MIAL has deferred its proposal to shift 265 weekly international departures to NMIA. Existing international flight allocations will remain unchanged during the winter schedule, said latest reports.

MIAL had proposed shifting 265 of CSMIA’s 770 weekly international departures to NMIA from October 25, 2026. The plan affected around 46 airlines. The proposed shift was intended to free up capacity at Terminal 2 to accommodate domestic passengers affected by the redevelopment of Terminal 1. Airlines were asked to identify services they could relocate or temporarily discontinue.

Airlines have objected to the proposed transfer, citing concerns over the short timeline, operational disruption and the lack of agreement on the relocation plan.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also raised questions about the arrangements required at NMIA to handle additional international services, including ground handling, cargo facilities, crew accommodation and passenger connectivity.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Civil Aviation intervened following the objections and asked MIAL to defer the plan and consult airlines on a mutually acceptable transition.

As of October 19, 2026, the proposed transfer remains deferred until after the winter schedule ends in March 2027. Further discussions are expected to determine how flight operations will be managed during the Terminal 1 redevelopment.