In a significant overhaul of Mumbai’s aviation landscape, approximately five million international passengers per annum—nearly one-third of the international capacity at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)—will be shifted to the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL) starting October 1, 2026 .
The Reason Behind the Shift
The traffic redistribution is a strategic move to facilitate the long-pending redevelopment of CSMIA’s Terminal 1 (T1) . The eight-decade-old terminal is scheduled for partial demolition beginning January 15, 2027, with the North Section of Terminal 1-B being the first phase to be redeveloped . This section currently handles around 5 million passengers annually .
The plan to redevelop T1 was originally slated for 2025 but was deferred due to delays in operationalizing Navi Mumbai Airport. With Navi Mumbai commencing domestic operations in December 2025 and international services in July 2026, the airport network now has the additional capacity to absorb traffic, allowing the redevelopment to proceed without completely shutting down operations at CSMIA .
Timeline of Changes
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has proposed a phased transition to ensure smooth operations :
From October 1, 2026: Approximately one-third of international air traffic movements will shift from CSMIA’s Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai International Airport .
From October 23, 2026: Approximately one-third of the traffic currently handled by CSMIA’s T1 is expected to move to T2 .
Airlines have been asked to realign their schedules during a transition period of around three and a half months. The airport operator has appointed nodal officers for the transition and requested airlines to nominate their own representatives to coordinate the move .
What This Means for Passengers
For travellers, this development is crucial. Passengers with bookings to or from Mumbai from October 2026 onwards are advised to carefully check their airport and terminal details before heading for their flight . While airlines are expected to notify passengers of any changes, it is prudent for travellers to confirm the departure or arrival airport with their carrier, as flights may now operate from Navi Mumbai instead of CSMIA .
The move is aimed at minimizing disruption to airline operations and passenger convenience while the redevelopment of T1 is carried out .